‘Smells row’ factory showing off development plans today (Wednesday)
The firm at the centre of a row over horrible smells reportedly coming from its Harborough factory has announced development plans for the site.
J G Pears (Newark) says a ‘significant programme of developments’ at its Gallows Hill animal rendering plant on Harborough’s northern outskirts will feature a thermal oxidiser to destroy odorous emissions.
It is holding a public exhibition today (Wednesday, March 6) at the Edwin Suite, Bowden Business Village, off Harborough Road.
This is part of the normal consultation procedure prior to submitting a planning application, says the firm.
The development plans include a new reception building, workshop, a replacement water treatment plant, additional trailer parking facilities and new, safer access off the main road.
Complaints of bad smells coming from the factory were the subject of a Parliamentary debate this week, after MP Sir Edward Garnier raised the issue following complaints by residents.
Alistair Collins, operations director for JG Pears, said: “Since purchasing the factory we have invested considerable sums and are proposing extensive further expenditure. Coincidentally we have been in discussion with the local authority regarding proposed major new facilities which are the subject of the public consultation event we are holding.
“The plant deals with inherently odorous material and we control the emission of odours using accepted techniques recommended by the Secretary of State to contain and abate the various odour streams.
“We seek to ensure that no part of our activities cause a problem or annoyance to our neighbours and we continually invest to improve our abatement facilities, which is why we are proposing the new developments.
“This is also in compliance with the Environmental Permit under which we are required to operate.
“We are aware that the council has fully investigated the complaints, including a proactive monitoring investigation on which they recently reported (7 February, 2013) and concluded in their advice to residents that “...the council has been unable to prove that a significant harm arises from activities on site...”.
“The plant demonstrates compliance with the Secretary of State’s Process Guidance for a properly managed facility.
“We have been in correspondence with Sir Edward Garnier and offered to discuss our operations and proposals and also those issues raised by his constituents. To date we have not heard further from Sir Edward Garnier.”
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Weather for Harborough
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
