CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand the operation of an organic waste composting business in Culcheth has divided opinion in the village.

Applicant David Broster, of Diggle Green Farm in Wilton Lane, wants to manage 75,000 tonnes of waste a year rather than the 35,000 tonnes previously approved by Warrington Borough Council.

He wants to do this by increasing the facility's catchment area but a reduction in working hours and operating hours has been planned to limit the impact on neighbours.

The application is currently subject to an environmental assessment and has prompted more than 60 letters of objection, mostly concerned about the waste plant's 'stench'.

But a number of supporters have come forward saying the recycling of green waste is of benefit to the public as well as agriculture.

Carole Jones, of Doeford Close, said: "The main objection is the stench that is caused. This is unbearable on warm days and we are forced to leave the garden and head back in doors closing all windows and doors.

"If the capacity is increased this will increase and cause more issues for the residents.

"This will also effect the resale values of our homes. The other issue is the traffic that will pass through the village.

"This is a village not an industrial area and as such is already prone to heavy traffic.

"To access the site HGVs will have to pass over the small bridge which is already an accident area waiting to happen."

Katherine Whitaker, of Beechwood Lane, added: "Despite the environment report noting that there are no odours from the site, I can confirm that this is not the case.

"The odours from the site are pungent early in the morning and in the late afternoon."

But Ed Thwaite, chairman of the neighbouring Lowton East Neighbourhood Development Forum, said: "We feel the site is better controlled than it's ever been.

"We'd liked to thank the environmental health people for their work because not long ago the smell was horrendous. You couldn't live with it.

"It's the right thing to do with the waste and we wouldn't like to see Mr Broster out of work."

To have your say or view the planning application visit warrington.gov.uk/planning with the reference 2015/25283.