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A number of local residents are foursquare against the proposal earmarked for a field on the south side of Latheronwheel.

Some fear the £1 million egg production plant would blight the area and cause pollution, vermin and dust and noise problems.

One resident yesterday said the scheme would be a "horrendous eyesore" if it got the go-ahead.

Locals are also concerned about future plans for a waste-to-energy facility on the site.

Behind the venture is a firm run by London-based businessman Avi Werjuka, who already runs an upmarket holiday home complex in the village.

The new scheme would involve 34,000 chickens being housed in two Dutch barn-style units at Shore Park, overlooking the sea.

City Centre Estates (Leisure) Ltd is believed to have forged provisional agreements with two firms to buy the eggs.

The chickens, which would be classed as free range, would be sold after 10 months for the live market in China.

Among the objectors to the firm's planning application is Keith Whittles, who lives in Latheronwheel, where he runs a publishing business. He said: "We're talking here about an industrial-scale egg plant. We have a whole raft of concerns about what would be a horrendous eyesore.

He added: "The noise and the smell given off would be horrendous while academic studies have shown that particulate matter and dust from these sorts of plants can spread to up to two kilometres."

Mr Whittles pointed out that the nearest house would be 100 yards away.

He said many residents are also concerned about the potential for pollution, rats and other vermin.

The plant, he claimed, would undoubtedly adversely affect two sites of special scientific interest as well as a clutch of important archaeological sites. It is, said Mr Whittles, ironic that the chicken farm is being proposed just down the road from the holiday complex which is advertised as being in "one of the last unspoilt locations in the British Isles boasting unparalleled natural beauty and seclusion, breathtaking landscape views and pure air".

The first to lodge an objection was ex-serviceman John Tunnah, who lives within half-a-mile of the site.

He said yesterday: "This scheme has come to the fore with very little consultation. I understand that nobody has the right to a view but everyone is entitled to live in an environment which is clean and healthy."

Mr Tunnah said he was particularly concerned about the potential for pollution to the nearby burn and vermin.

He added: "There are many more spaces in Caithness that could accommodate a site for this proposal which wouldn't cause these problems."

The 68-year-old pensioner said there is significant opposition in the village to the development.

The timber-clad buildings would be 250 feet long by 50 feet wide and 17 feet high.

Thurso architect Peter Knight, who has prepared the plans for the venture, said consultations have taken place with Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

He said the siting had taken account of the historic and nature interest, as well as concern about the view to the sea.

"We've sited the plant 300 metres down from the road on flatter ground down the site on an area which will be screened by thick gorse," he explained.

"It would mean that if you were standing on the road, you'd probably only be able to see the roof of the buildings. We wouldn't be obstructing the sea view."

Mr Knight said issues to do with smell, noise, pollution and vermin would all be addressed by licensing authorities.

He added that the plant is designed with computerised extract/intake, temperature and pollution control systems.

Two farmers would be contracted to collect the animal waste from the plant twice a week for recycling as fertiliser.

Mr Knight confirmed that the firm has plans for a second phase which would introduce a waste-to-energy plant.

The current scheme, he added, would provide employment during the construction and create three full-time and two part-time operational jobs.

The egg operation is intended to be part of the Mey Selections brand.

The scheme is within the area of Dunbeath and Berriedale Community Council which earlier this week decided to seek more information before coming to a view on the planning application. It is also requesting an extension in the consultation period.

Objectors were hoping to raise the issue at last night's meeting of Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Council.

Mr Werjuka said yesterday he hopes to have the complex up and running next year, subject to the necessary consents.

"I'm very excited about the development, which I think will be quite unique," he stated.

"Because of the holiday accommodation, no-one is more sensitive than me to this turning into an unsightly industrial site.

"It's going to be well screened and professionally run and I think it makes ideal use of the land."

Mr Werjuka revealed that his firm is working with experts at Warwick University on a future underground anaerobic digestion plant.

This would turn the chicken waste into energy and produce an estimated million kilowatt hours of electricity for the national grid.

iain-grant@ukf.net