The applicant, Zoi Tricarico, has sought planning permission for the intensive operation at 800 Mitchell Rd, Kialla. The 21 ha property is in a farming zone, but some neighbours are concerned about odour and dust problems, as well as the disposal of effluent and run-off.
The property had about 2000 sheep last week.
The permit application is for a penned area of about 1.9 ha and the applicants say it would be compliant with national procedures and guidelines for intensive sheep and lamb feeding systems.
Lambs will vary in size from 25 kg weaners to lambs at about 50 kg.
Lambs will generally be on feed from 90 to 120 days.
The business proposes supply to local markets, such as Tatura Abattoirs, as well as Wangaratta Abattoirs and Nathalia Abattoirs.
Some lambs would also be sold back into the local market, such as the Shepparton Saleyards.
Ms Tricarico said the numbers involved were a light stocking rate which would allow for lamb comfort and growth, but also reduce issues of odour, dust and flies that may be associated with more highly stocked feedlots.
Ms Tricarico said she lived on the property with her family and would not expose them to an odour and dust problem.
She said her hope was to build the business so she could contribute to the Shepparton economy.
Ms Tricarico acknowledged the shelters had been built without a planning permit and the operation had been running for about a year.
She said she was told that a permit was not needed for animal shelters.
She was now working with Agriculture Victoria to comply with its guidelines.
Asked if the feedlot was in jeopardy if the permit was refused, Ms Tricarico said yes.
Asked if she could comply with any conditions placed on the permit, Ms Tricarico said she would wait to see how the process unfolded and what the requirements were.
She was happy to meet with the objectors and understood that the City of Greater Shepparton was going to organise a meeting.
There are six houses within about 500 m of the property.
32°C