Ann and Charles Christie are against the development

People in Gorslas and Cross Hands fear the development will cause an increase in traffic and noise and are also worried about possible smells.

Among those planning to attend a public meeting organised by an action group are Charles and Ann Christie whose bungalow is under 100 metres from the site earmarked for the development at Cross Hands Business Park.

But the businessman behind the application says locals have nothing to fear. He says the project will bring jobs and be a boost to the agricultural industry.

The Christies moved into their dream home 16 months ago after they retired. They claim the plant would "ruin their lives and those of a lot of other people".

To me it's a dreadful state of affairs to put this near domestic properties Charles Christie

"We would never have bought this property if we had known what was coming," said Mr Christie.

"To be honest we are in a bit of a state of shock. It's on our minds 24 hours a day.

"To me it's a dreadful state of affairs to put this near domestic properties.

"We are worried there will be increased noise and traffic. There are also concerns about smells - particularly in the summer when we sit out in the back."

A full planning application has been submitted to Carmarthenshire Council for a meat processing plant.

What I would ask people to do is sit down and not to judge before they have all the facts Applicant Enzo Sauro

The development would create a minimum of 16 jobs.

Enzo Sauro, who is behind the abattoir, says there would be no more than eight lorries visiting each day.

"People are thinking back to the old days, " he said.

"But there are such strict rules today all the environmental issues will be addressed before any building begins."

"I live in the area and would not want to do anything that would affect peoples' lives."

Recycling centre

Mr Sauro said the plans would be scrutinized by the Environment Agency, the council's environment and highways departments and Welsh Water before permission was granted.

"What I would ask people to do is sit down and not to judge before they have all the facts," he added.

The site already has planning permission for a recycling centre.

Thursday's meeting at Cross Hands Public Hall is organised by the action group REED (Residents Against Environmental Exploitation and Over-development).

Helen Thomas of REED said: "We are not happy and hope to thrash this out in a public meeting."