Factory smell investigation results due in spring

An investigation into a rendering plant blamed for a foul smell in Bradford is due to conclude by the spring.

More than 1,800 people submitted a petition to the council last year calling for P Waddington and Co's operations to be suspended until after an environmental compliance review.

The plant, based off Hammerton Street, processes dead livestock, roadkill and zoo animals into biofuels and other by-products.

The company has always maintained it has strict measures in place to contain odours but Ummer Daraz, who brought the petition, said people in the area's "lived reality is that the stench travels from beyond this site".

"It has been going on for decades and is persistent and increasing; the community are being asked to live with a recurring stench," he added.

"Residents are unable to open their windows without being assaulted by the odour."

Daraz said businesses on Leeds Road had reported an impact on trade and reputation, and the factory had a "massively disproportionate impact" on the city.

A council meeting on Thursday was told residents had even reported bone ash falling on their properties, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Deputy council leader Imran Khan described the smell as "gut-wrenching" and "so embarrassing for our city".

"A foul stench hangs over my ward. This situation can't continue," he said.

Officers said the council had taken on an odour consultancy and laboratory service to investigate the plant and had hired new staff to deal with the issue.

According to a report from Waddingtons received by the council in January, the flow rate of one of the flues was half what it should be as of June 2025.

The meeting heard the council was investigating this and the issue may have been corrected since, but Councillor Ian Parsons said it seemed as though "Waddingtons is marking its own homework".

Councillors voted to let the investigation continue and said next steps, including possible enforcement action, would be decided in the autumn.

Alistair Collins, director of the company, said it operated within the terms of its permit and used the best available techniques to reduce odours escaping the site.

"We appreciate the concerns of the local community and are happy to continue to co-operate with the council's investigations and share relevant information when it is requested," he added.

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