A chicken factory in Deepdale is to face a group of nearby residents in court over odour complaints.

Seventy-three homeowners, nearby residents and families are bringing a compensation claim against Gafoor Halal Ltd over what they say is affecting their quality of life.

The chicken factory, in Fletcher Road, Deepdale, is facing claims for compensation for the ‘loss of enjoyment of homes caused by odours’ and an injunction from residents to bring what they say is an ‘odour nuisance’ to an end.

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Residents have appointed Hugh James solicitors to act for them and the action is due for a preliminary high court hearing in late January next year before going to trial.

Those living nearby say they have suffered years of having to keep windows and doors closed, even in warm weather, not being able to enjoy their gardens, and having family events ruined by the smell coming from the chicken factory. Some say they are embarrassed to have friends and family visit due to the odours.

Blog Preston reported last week on how one resident said they felt “physically sick” when they wake up because of the smell they say is coming from the Gafoor site.

Senior associate at Hugh James, Kimberley Sutton, said: “The level of odour the residents near the Gafoor Poultry processing facility in Preston have to put up with is unacceptable. We are committed to representing their concerns; ensuring the site is operating in accordance with its environmental permit and putting an end to excessive odour levels in the neighbourhood.

“It is not our intention to close the site or cause job losses in the area. We simply want the site to operate as a considerate neighbour.”

Those living nearby say they have made hundreds of complaints to the Environment Agency over the odour – but have been left frustrated by a lack of action.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We have received complaints from the public about odour reportedly coming from the Gafoor chicken factory, and our investigations are ongoing.

“We understand the impact odours can have on people’s lives and take these issues seriously.”

The Environment Agency encourages people to report odour issues to the incident hotline on 0800807060.

The chicken factory is also facing potential enforcement action from Preston City Council over breaches of its operating conditions and timings – as set out in planning approval for the factory.

Pictures shared with Blog Preston showed lorries entering and leaving the Fletcher Road site outside of the currently permitted hours.

Blog Preston approached Marsden Rawsthorn solicitors, who are acting for the Gafoor group, for comment but received no response by the time of publication from either the solicitors or the Gafoor Group to either the odour legal threat or the issues with operating outside their permitted hours.

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