PLANS to increase a poultry plant’s production limit to a million chickens a week have been refused.

It comes after a large number of concerns were raised about the smell and traffic generated by Maelor Foods, which currently has permission to process up to 400,000 birds per week at its factory in Cross Lanes.

Wrexham Council’s head of planning Lawrence Isted had backed proposals to increase the number by 150 per cent after owners Salisbury Poultry said it would result in 200 new jobs.

However, community leaders said the odour created by the building had left residents in nearby areas feeling ill.

Marchwiel councillor John Pritchard said the smell was particularly bad during the summer months.

He said: “They were unable to have their windows open, unable to sit in their gardens and unable to sleep at night because of the noxious smell in their own homes.

“These smells are making some people feel physically sick.

“Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and our own department have confirmed there is a problem at the site and we all appreciate their work in proving this point.

“This is only with 400,000 chickens, so what is it going to be like with one million?”

Cllr Pritchard read out a letter which revealed that NRW had received 12 complaints about the site since it opened in November 2017.

The agency said the issues were caused by both the effluent tanks and offal trailers and it was working with the company to address problems.

In response to concerns, Maelor Foods said it had already delivered an investment of £20 million into the county, and the latest plans would bring a wider range of job opportunities.

The council report also highlighted an increase in demand for local and ethically sourced food, which has resulted in increased growth in the the industry.

But Cllr Pritchard was supported by the majority of planning committee members in rejecting the proposals.

Cllr Paul Pemberton said: “I believe the site’s been in operation since last November and it’s perfectly clear to me that the smells and the odour issue haven’t been sorted out.

“Much has been said about lorries full of chickens parked in laybys ready to go in.

“We represent the people of Wrexham and I’m not going to hang them out to dry, I can’t support it.

“It’s a tuppence hapenny attempt to get planning permission and if it was done properly I’d have no objection.”