AN APPEAL seeking permission to continue operating a meat rendering plant in Comberbach is on hold - with the developer applying to build it elsewhere.

Residents say the meat rendering plant at Senna Green Farm, on Senna Lane, would be 'the wrong thing in the wrong place'.

The farm's owner, Harrisons (Proteins) Ltd, was refused a certificate of lawfulness for it to operate as a meat rendering plant last year, but was planning to take the matter to appeal next month.

Members of Comberbach Parish Council had drawn up objections, and welcome news that the development may be built elsewhere.

The proposed unit is on land at Thellow Heath Farm, which opened in 1972 and produces poultry for human consumption, and would process poultry by-products from local food producers which are turned into proteins and oils that ultimately go into in products such as pet food.

It will create more than 29 jobs, with nine transferring from the Senna Green operation which is likely to revert to a farm.

Harrisons (Proteins) Ltd director Mark Harrison said: 'We see this development as investing in the technology that will provide an environmentally friendly solution for dealing with poultry by-products.

'It will have to meet the highest environmental health standards and animal food processing to help continue the efficient functioning of high quality chicken production that contributes significantly towards the rural economy of the area.

'The new facility will be dealing with the by-products from Thellow Heath, so it makes sense for them to be together. If it is approved, then the Senna Farm facility will close.'

Norma Clarke, the chairwoman of Comberbach Parish Council, said: 'As long as it doesn't affect people living in parts of Antrobus the way the meat rendering plant has affected people in Comberbach, then it is to be welcomed.

'As far as people in Comberbach are concerned, if the plant is shut then it will be good news. It's a dreadfully unpleasant thing to have on our doorsteps.

'The farm is creating a lot of environmental nuisance - smell, noise and traffic - and it is basically the wrong thing in the wrong place.'