A meat processing plant which is causing traffic chaos and also an appalling stench in Birmingham should not be allowed to operate at its present site. This is in addition to a nearby slaughterhouse imposed by the planning authority and attracting lorries full of livestock.

UKIP West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass appeared before Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee this week seeking the rejection of plans to allow a meat processing plant in the Highgate area of the City.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting yesterday (Thursday, December 10) on behalf of the Bissell Street Working Group, the MEP said the meat processing plant is causing ‘traffic chaos and offensive smells’ in Bissell Street.

Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, Mr Nattrass said: “I disapprove of the continued use of the premises for the processing of meat.

“ The premises are used as a retail and wholesale distribution centre and not as stated in the planning report.
“ 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. This is illegal as they are handling Class 3 waste. The smell causes great concern and washing of containers is carried out on the road.
“ The facility is currently under investigation by Meat Hygiene Services, who gave them a high-risk status due to the inadequacy of the facility.
“For the past three years they have failed to control traffic or loading and the police find enforcement impossible.
“ This is about the destruction of this area as a business location and its conversion to the preparation and sale of meat. Including the nearby slaughterhouse and ancillary uses.
“ The smell is offensive. If this is to be encouraged by your authority then existing occupiers cannot be expected to stay and they would have a right to compensation for planning blight.”
Speaking after the meeting, he added: “I believe councillors from all parts of the political spectrum understood and hope they will show concern for the district.
“ If these slaughterhouse and meat packing uses are to continue in this area the smell will frighten off existing businesses and stop future occupiers.
“ If the proposal for this use was next door to council offices they (the council) would certainly understand, or double their use of aftershave and cologne.”

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