East Lothian Eggs is seeking planning permission to build an 18-metre-long tunnel beneath the B6368, which separates a new chicken coop from an open field.

The farm argues that the underpass is necessary to give the free range chickens enough space to roam without crossing a dangerous road, the BBC reports.

However, Humbie, Bolton, East and West Saltoun Community Council says “investment in an underpass is not justified by existing egg production operations” and that “no evidence exists to indicate that hens will use an underpass to access additional range space”.

East Lothian Council will consider the application on Tuesday and planning officials are recommending approval.