A waste carrying company which was last year allowed to double the number of lorries travelling in and out of its rendering plant near Bradford has cleared a major hurdle in getting planning permission for a new building at the site.

Members of the Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday voted four to three in favour of the covered trailer store for 12 vehicles at the Omega Proteins factory in Half Acre Road, Denholme.

The planning application follows a public inquiry last November, which also decided the company should be allowed to extend the hours during which lorries can enter and leave the Erling Works site.

The trailer store was not a requirement of the planning inspector but was designed to reflect best practice in the industry, the Leo Group, which owns and operates Omega Proteins.

However, the plans met opposition from residents living near the site, with more than 70 letters of objection sent to Bradford Council.

They objected to the size of the proposed building and the impact it might have on the green belt area, as well as the potential for noise and odour.

Graham Fawthrop, of Thornton, who spoke at the meeting, said afterwards: “I am pleased that the shed has been approved which, all being well, will reduce odours but disappointed the committee didn’t take our considerations into account to reduce the size of the building which was excessive."

A spokesman for the Leo Group said: “This is the latest in a series of substantial investments planned at our facilities in Bradford and Calderdale.”

The panel’s recommendation to approve the application will now be considered by the Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee.