A FOUL-SMELLING stench which residents describe as ‘rotting flesh’ has prompted Barnsley Council to launch an investigation at an animal rendering plant near Penistone.

Warm temperatures have been blamed for exacerbating the odour coming from Bella Vista Farm, on Hartcliff Road, Cubley a plant which disposes of animal carcasses and makes them into useable products such as lard.

Nearby residents have been told to keep diaries to record times when the stench is at its worst by the council, who are investigating multiple complaints about the business.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, said: “The council’s regulatory services are currently investigating complaints from residents alleging odour from this site. They have been asked to keep diaries and contact the service when the odour is at its worst.

“In most cases we’ll need to visit the site for further investigation before we can take any further action. We served an abatement notice on the site in 2013 under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and this notice is still live.

“Over the last few years, the company have worked with us and put measures in place to control odour from the site.

“Officers have visited the area to try and witness the recent alleged nuisance and to ensure control measures are in place. Our investigation is still ongoing.”

Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward, said odours from the plant have been an issue in the area for a long time.

“It’s become a part of living in that area it tends to settle down when the temperature isn’t hot but we’ve been experiencing a spell of unprecedented heat,” she said.

“That’s led to the stench and it’s been bad in Cubley and Millhouse as it goes with the wind. It’s not just the odour I’m concerned about, as it’s a health matter as there’s all sorts of nasty things in the air.

“I’ve looked into it a bit more and thermal oxidisers are something which are used at animal rendering plants and it’s important we see if Bella Vista Farm has that measure in place as they nullify the odour.”

Business JG Pears, which runs the plant, blamed extreme hot weather and confirmed it is working with the council to address the matter.

But one resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Chronicle the area has been surrounded by the smell for ‘weeks’.

“It’s hard to describe just how bad the smell is,” they said. “It’s distinctive and makes you gag it’s the odour of death and rotting.

“It’s something that’s always been a part of living near the plant. It’s been there since 1994 and it’s always an issue, more so when it’s hot, but this summer has been the worst I can remember.

“It’s not just the smell, it’s the flies and the maggots our children can’t play out because they feel ill and I can’t even hang the washing out as the smell clings to it.

“It’s horrendous, but we’ve been told to keep diaries. Hopefully now the council’s investigating, more measures will be put in place to stop the smell.”