PLANS to build a new flue and increase the height of another at a Kelbrook manufacturer have been given the go ahead.

The West Craven Area Committee last Tuesday approved plans by Euravia Engineering to erect a new flue and extend another by 14 metres to a height of 21 metres above the existing 'test cell' block.

Village resident Elizabeth Crabtree expressed her objection to the plans.

"Raising the stack to a height of 21 metres will have a detrimental impact on the whole of West Craven," she said. "I'm concerned for the widespread health and wellbeing of people."

"It's morally indefensible to pass this problem on to other areas like Earby and Sough," said another resident, Valerie Kimberley. "These odours are detectable at off-site locations while the company is testing engines. I have to close my doors and windows when the odour is significantly noticeable."

She added: "Kelbrook is a rural area, and these stacks are inappropriate and unsightly in such a location."

Before they voted, committee chairman, Cllr David Whipp, reminded members: "The committee needs to be aware we are considering increasing the stack height, not considering odour nuisance.

"The visual intrusion is a very valid reason for not being in keeping with the area, but a balance has to be struck if this will eliminate 80 per cent of the odour complaints. The company is taking practical measures to alleviate a nuisance."

Councillor Paul Maskell, chairman of Kelbrook and Sough Parish Council, said: "This issue has been going on for years. This is a passive solution that won't actually solve the problem. The same amount of stuff will be coming out, it will just be distributed to a wider area."