Pet firm to install chimney to tackle factory odour

Two planning applications submitted by The Real Petfood Company to build a chimney and office extension have received approval from the planning committee at Denbighshire County Council. The business – which is based at Kinmel Park in Bodelwyddan – was a recent cause of concern for residents of Bodelwyddan who complained about the smells from the factory caused by the production of pet food. The company is confident the chimney - along with associated odour abatement equipment – will significantly boost the dispersal of baking odours associated with the manufacture of its pet food products and tackle the issue of the smell. Cadw – the Welsh government’s historic environment service, submitted a report which raised no objections to the proposals whilst a Heritage Impact Assessment concluded the impact on the settings of the two nearby registered historic parks and gardens would be negligible or very slight. In addition, a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment report added the chimney would have no major adverse effects on landscape character or visual amenity. The application was approved subject to various conditions regarding issues such as the final specification and colour of the chimney and full details of the landscaping works to be undertaken. In addition, councillors also approved a separate application for a 660 sq mt two storey extension to the factory to increase office accommodation and meeting room space as well as improve employee welfare facilities. James Lawson, managing director of The Real Petfood Company said: “I am delighted that our plans to tackle the problems associated with the baking odours have been approved. I do appreciate there has been strong local concern about this issue and we shall press ahead with the chimney’s construction as fast as possible. “We are committed to playing an important role in the Bodelwyddan community providing both jobs and economic benefits and I look forward to a positive relationship with our neighbours.” The number of employees at the Real Petfood Company has more than doubled from 30 to over 70 since the firm moved to its current site some two years ago and it is expected to reach 100 within the next few years. The business makes premium quality pet food for brands such as Wagg and Harringtons as well as a wide range of own label products for major retailers.