Walsall slaughterhouse to increase in size by third in £250k expansion plans
A slaughterhouse in Walsall is to increase in size by a third under new £250,000 expansion plans - but it faces a fight from its neighbours.
Newtown abattoir currently accommodates 450 sheep its Stafford Road site and has plans to take on five extra staff.
The application is for an extension of the lairage shed, the building where the animals are taken to rest before being slaughtered.
Objections have been made over the potential increase in the number of lorries travelling to and from the site if the scheme gets the go-ahead.
Neighbours also say the floodlights are constantly in use and shine directly into the bedrooms of their homes, some just 75 yards away.
They also argue that the private driveway to the abattoir is not well maintained, which increases the noise of the HGVs using the site.
Agents for the owner insist the extension is necessary to improve the welfare of the animals and the sustainability the business.
The application, submitted by Robert Pritchard, of Severn Valley Lamb, has been called in by Councillor David Clifft on the grounds it is 'inappropriate' development on green belt land with no special circumstances to support it.
The business, launched 40 years ago, changed hands earlier this year. The new owners have invested more than £250,000, including a government grant of £70,000, in the business. The funding will pay for five new employees over the next three years.
Around 480 sheep a day are now processed at the abattoir, too many to be accommodated in the current building.
Mr Pritchard said: "Adequate lairage is fundamental to the efficient operation of the abattoir and to rest the sheep following the stress of transportation."
Officers for South Staffordshire, Council who recommend approval, say the the height and width of the lairage shed will remain the same, with only the length affected, and say it complies with their planning policy.
Senior planning officer Edwin Osborn said:"I have considered the objections raised but feel they relate largely to the existing operation which has planning legitimacy. I do not consider that the proposed extension to the lairage will have a significant impact on the extent of the existing operation as it is a response to animal welfare and does not extend the abattoir itself."
The application is to be discussed by the planning committee tonight.
