Highgate businesses kick up stink over smells from chicken factory

Jan 11 2010 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

A CHICKEN meat packaging plant is causing traffic chaos and creating an appalling stench, neighbouring businesses in Birmingham claimed.

The allegations were made as city council planners considered whether to allow the controversial meat processing plant to continue to operate at 96 Bissell Street in Highgate.

UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass, representing the area’s business community, told the planning committee the firm was also acting as a retailer of meat, as well as wholesaler, for which it did not have permission.He said: “There is a continuous stream of parked cars and vans awaiting purchase of meat. The loading entrance is inadequate for vehicle loading resulting in the pavement being obstructed.

“Double parking and the blocking of neighbouring businesses is common practice.

“Waste product is loaded on the road.  The smell causes great concern and washing of containers is carried out on the road.”

He said the firm had been reported to the environmental health department for investigation and that, despite a stream of complaints, traffic wardens had found parking regulations impossible to enforce.

“If this meat packing uses are to continue in this area, the smell will frighten off existing businesses and stop future occupiers.”

Mr Nattrass added that a linked slaughterhouse nearby had also kicked up a stink among neighbours. The business owner, Mr T Mahmood, told the committee he had employed 12 people at the plant for the last two years and was seeking to make a temporary planning permission permanent.

“The principle of this as a proper use was established two years ago,” he added.

Council planning officials said there had been several unannounced inspections of the business and site since it opened and there was no evidence of retail activity or breaches of hygiene rules.

Coun Keith Linnecor (Lab, Oscott) said: “I have serious concerns about this and the effect on other businesses. I wonder if the council’s regeneration department can help the firm find a more suitable location.”

Fellow committee member Coun Bob Beauchamp (Con, Erdington) added: “We have been asking the firm for its compliance for two years and it appears quite obvious that this compliance is not taking place.”

The committee deferred a decision until it had consulted with police over the parking problems.