Crown Pet Foods, a subsidiary of Royal Canin based in France, built a new factory in Castle Cary, Somerset in late 2007.
The factory produces dry pet food kibbles from proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It has an Environmental Permit (formerly known as a Pollution Prevention and Control Permit), granted by the Environment Agency in September 2006.
Since the factory was commissioned in November 2007 there have been problems with odours from the factory. Residents of Castle Cary, Ansford, Clanville and surrounding areas have been suffering from unacceptably strong odours.
Resolving the problem is a high priority for us and we are applying a large amount of resource to this case. We are working with the company to resolve the odour problem and also undertake daily checks in the area to assess odour levels.
On 31 July we issued the variation to their Environmental Permit to allow them to begin commissioning their new £1 million additional odour abatement equipment. We would like to thank you for responses to our public consultation on this - these were all considered in our decision.
The result of the permit variation is the inclusion of an additional set of conditions relating to the new equipment. These provide a number of important safeguards. These have been discussed at length with Crown Pet Foods in advance of them beginning their important work with the new equipment.
We are committed to working with the local community and their representatives in order to keep them up to date with developments.
Click on the links below to see our recent updates, the additional conditions, press releases and other documents. If you need any further information please contact Brian Payne on 01278 484819 or email brian.payne@environment-agency.gov.uk
