OPINIONS on whether to allow an extension at Woodhead Bros abattoir in Colne were split at the Colne and District Committee because of concerns about employment figures in Pendle.

The controversial application for an extension was deferred from the October meeting so that more information could be gathered on how the odour extraction system at Woodheads would deal with additional throughput from the proposal and on the drainage and sewage problem in the area.

Since then the environmental health department submitted comments which said that an independent assessment of the odour coming from the abattoir, described by Asda as 'nauseating', showed the company were 'generally using the best practicable means to control odour emissions'.

Coun Alan Davies said there was still a significant odour problem and he believed the extension would create more.

He said: "I can't see the sense in approving something in a situation which we know is bad. "

He said the people in the area who are suffering from the situation should be given an opportunity to meet with the company.

Coun David Whalley feared refusing the application could have an effect on the 470 people Woodhead employs.

He said: "They employ 150 more than I realised and they are hoping to increase that by another 100 jobs."