COUNCILLORS have refused permission for a waste food plant in Hopwood recommended for approval despite scores of objections.

The application involved the receiving of waste food from in and around the area to the site, a field on the eastern side of the A441, and its onward transfer to a pet food processing plant.

Concerns included noise disturbance, environmental impact, 'appalling stench', health risks, flies, highway safety and the number of lorries using the site.

A total of 20 letters raising fears were addressed to district councillor Jean Luck, a 55-name petition was submitted and Alvechurch Parish Council also received complaints.

In a report, a Bromsgrove Council spokesman said: "This application was received in response to an enforcement complaint in connection with the change of use of the site from a pig rearing activity to a non-agricultural use as a waste transfer station for food waste collected from the surrounding area."

Bromsgrove planning committee members discussed the application on Monday.