Source: Chris Scott, MeatingPlace, March 22

The Nash County Planning Board yesterday rejected a request to rezone land where Sanderson Farms is considering building a controversial poultry processing plant. The panel is also recommending that the Board of Commissioners also reject the proposal when it is expected to vote on the rezoning on Apr. 4.

The planning board voted five to three that the rezoning of the 150-acre parcel – the second such effort since November – was not in the best interests of local residents. The vote echoes the arguments of opponents from Nash County and nearby city of Wilson who have filed a lawsuit against Nash County seeking to block development of the plant out of concerns about its impact on local water supplies. (See “City takes fight against proposed poultry plant to court,” on Meatingplace Nov. 23, 2010.)

Sanderson pushed back plans to start construction on the plant this month following news of the rezoning effort, although it reaffirmed its intent to build the facility in February. (See “Sanderson reiterates commitment to second North Carolina plant,” on Meatingplace Feb. 18, 2011.)

For more stories, go to www.meatingpalce.com.