Planners order factory demolition

Norfolk County Council says the plant is larger than permitted

The owners of a controversial chicken waste rendering factory have been told by Norfolk's planning committee to demolish the building.

About 50 campaigners were at County Hall in Norwich to hear the committee condemn the Great Witchingham plant.

Banham Compost, a subsidiary of Banham Poultry, contravened its planning permission and built a bigger plant than originally allowed.

The company said it would be considering its options.

The firm will be talking to its legal advisers next week.

Campaigners have always argued that the plant, which renders and composts chicken waste, is too noisy and smelly.

Broadland District Council - the planning authority which approved the original plans - ordered the demolition of the plant, which led to the appeal to county council planners.

A demolition notice will be served in the next two weeks, and Banham Compost has 28 days from receiving it to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.