Offal firm gets green light to double lorry deliveries

Dozens of people living in Boothtown and Queensbury protested against a planning appeal by Halifax-based Omega Proteins, but planning inspector Ian McPherson found in favour of the firm.

His decision means 30 lorries will be allowed to carry offal in and out of the company's plant in Thornton, Bradford, between 7am and 10pm every day except Sunday.

Movements used to be limited to 15 in and out from 8am to 7pm.

Graham Fawthrop, who represented residents at the Bradford hearings, said he was "gutted" at the verdict. But he welcomed new conditions that require the firm to clearly label its vehicles and restrict "emergency" movements, which he said would make it easier to spot and report breaches.

"While I am very disappointed in the inspector allowing the numbers and extra hours I do see that we can now go forward with the main aim of getting trucks stopped entering and exiting out of hours. "

A spokesman said: "We are pleased with the announcement from the planning inspector. He clearly understood the important role we play in supporting the British meat industry, all those companies in it and the many jobs that depend on it. We will continue to work with residents to minimise disruption."

Bradford councillor Michael Walls, who represents Queensbury, said: ''It is astonishing in this day and age that the technology to ensure there are no spills and no smells emanating from these lorries is not readily available.

"The main concern we have is to prevent these lorries from spilling the stuff. Spillage is totally unacceptable and if it is not possible to transport this stuff without making it unbearable for residents it is a poor do. Stop the spillages and stop the smells.''

Omega told The Yorkshire Post in July that the animal products were moved in "leak proof vehicles which are tightly sealed". It said the risk of a spillage in and around the plant at Erlings Works was remote.

The company said it had invested heavily in the latest rendering equipment and that "all our processing equipment and procedures adhere stringently to health and safety and legislative requirements".