A POULTRY processing factory looks set to get permission to more than double its size, despite opposition from worried villagers.Residents are concerned over a plan by J W Diaper and Sons to extend its factory in Haughley New Street, near Stowmarket.

By James Fraser

A POULTRY processing factory looks set to get permission to more than double its size, despite opposition from worried villagers.

Residents are concerned over a plan by J W Diaper and Sons to extend its factory in Haughley New Street, near Stowmarket. Some villagers feared it would lead to noise, smells and an increase in traffic passing their homes.

Wetherden, Woolpit and Elmswell Parish Councils have all objected to, or raised concerns, about the proposal.

But Haughley Parish Council has not objected. Other residents say J W Diaper and Sons is a well-established family firm that could cease trading if not modernised.

Mid Suffolk District Council will discuss the planning application for the extension to the existing factory on Wednesday, with its officers recommending the proposal should be approved, subject to conditions.

Campaigner and Haughley New Street villager, John Lloyd, said: "Conditions can be put on about the hours of work and reducing noise and the impact of a single-storey building will not have a great baring on Haughley New Street, it will be more hidden. This is a compromise and we can live with it if there are conditions imposed."

J W Diaper and Sons said it did not believe there would be significant changes to the amount of traffic on the road.