A BUTCHER has been given the go-ahead for a sheep-holding pen attached to a controversial city centre abattoir despite protests from neighbouring businesses.

Pak Mecca Meats Ltd has won formal permanent planning permission to keep sheep awaiting slaughter in a disused warehouse in Barford Street Highgate.

The firm, which also runs a meat processing operation in Bissell Street nearby, has attracted scores of complaints from neighbours that it causes traffic and parking chaos, attracts rats and creates an unpleasant stench. None of the complaints have been upheld following council investigations.

The council’s planning committee ruled in favour of continuing the use of the warehouse although it admitted the council is working with the firm to find a more suitable location away from the city centre.