Concerns over 'abhorrent' smells and noise as growing Gloucester factory bids for new permit

Residents who live near Permali Ltd in Bristol Road say they are extremely

Residents who live near Permali Ltd in Bristol Road say they are extremely concerned about their latest plans for the site

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Concerns have been raised over noise and "abhorrent" smells coming from a Gloucester factory as new plans for an environmental permit have been submitted. Residents who live near Permali Ltd in Bristol Road say they are extremely concerned about their latest plans.

The firm has applied to Gloucester City Council for a permit which will allow them to use more than 200 tonnes of solvents per year. Company directors have agreed to meet with residents, councillors and the city's MP to address concerns over the issue.

But City Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate), who represents affected residents in Hempsted, says the latest proposals are a "huge kick in the teeth" for neighbours. "Residents have already had to live with high level noise and abhorrent smells from the factory and now it appears this could be extended further if permit is granted," she said.

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"I feel the concerns and anxiety of residents should always take precedence and I do not believe those who have already put in complaints over the smells and noises coming from this business have been taken seriously.

"I am all for economic growth and more jobs, but not to the detriment of the health of those who live close-by.

"We should no longer pussyfoot to the demands of such businesses, but instead recognise that what matters is the residents who have to live by these sites.

"I hope that many residents will make written objections to this latest consultation before the deadline and this application for an environmental permit gets rejected. Enough really is enough."

A spokesperson for the company says they have been keeping residents informed about the proposals. "Our managing director, Tony Beswick and other senior representatives of Permali are to meet with the resident's association, councillor(s) and MP in the near future to further communicate what we are doing to address concerns regarding noise and smells," they said.

They explained the firm, which has been operating in the city since 1937 when it was engaged in the manufacture of propeller blades for Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes, was purchased by the Diamorph Group in 2021.

Since the acquisition, the business has hired around 100 workers to expand its product rage which includes composite bearings and components for the global Marine, Rail and pump markets.

"In order to do this Diamorph group is investing over £10,000,000 in the site which is of great benefit to local economy as this provides work to the additional employees, service providers and the many local contractors currently working on the site as part of this investment," a letter sent to residents said.

"Over 20 per cent of this investment (£2,000,000) is to ensure the impact of our operations has the least possible adverse impact to the health of our employees, surrounding businesses and residents.

"We have invested circa £500,000 on improved process extraction, £1,400,000 in a new Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser plant (installation circa June 2023) to treat process odours and circa £100,000 in noise suppression.

"Furthermore the size of our operations will mean that during 2023 we will become a A2 permit regulated business. Within this Local Authority permit the emission and noise conditions which we must comply with are specified.

"Activities and investments are underway to meet the requirements of the permit. From time to time when we build and test new plant and equipment our noise and emissions may be somewhat higher than typical but we will ensure that this is minimised and at all times within any regulations that apply to us.

"We recognize that our industry has an impact on the surrounding area and we are committed to work within the regulations that apply to our business to minimise the negative impact of manufacturing and maximise positive impact in employment, pension investment returns and tax contributions. We have successfully operated in Gloucester for many decades and look forward to many more decades of UK manufacturing by local employees."