NAUSEATING smells from a new composting site have taken a terrible toll on nearby residents and businesses, councillors have heard.

The "obnoxious stench" has forced one man to wear a mask while he works, while other employees are calling in sick, resulting in lost production, planners at Selby District Council were told.

Consultant Barry Russell, acting on behalf of objectors, said residents near the site, in Lennerton Lane, Sherburn-in-Elmet, were complaining of headaches and physical sickness, and were concerned about their health.

He told the council's planning committee that the nearby Half Moon pub had also been badly affected, with customers giving the restaurant a miss because of the foul smells.

"The owners have suffered considerable stress because of the risk to their livelihood," said Mr Russell.

"One man who wears a mask sometimes has to abandon his work altogether, resulting in his business suffering financially. Employees at another firm are declining to work overtime and the owner has had to put expansion plans on hold."

At another factory, staff were refusing to eat in the works canteen because of the sickening smell.

Sherburn Aero Club has also complained after visitors and pilots had been put off their food in the clubhouse.

Mr Russell said the stench, mainly caused by chicken remains, had also resulted in an increase in the local rat population.

Planning committee members voted unanimously to reject Quantum Waste Management's retrospective application to use the 12-acre site for composting.

Coun Jim Snowball said: "I've been down there and the stench is overpowering. It made me feel ill. They don't have planning permission and this operation has to cease now."

The council plans to take enforcement action, if necessary.

Council officials said materials used at the site included rotting chicken pieces from the poultry industry.

Quantum Waste bosses have said the site had accepted three loads of feathers from a chicken processing plant, but they had stopped accepting material from the plant when the loads were found to contain chicken heads and feet. They said they were proud of converting waste into a good quality product and wanted to be good neighbours.

The company today declined to comment on the planning committee's decision to reject their application.

Updated: 14:30 Friday, September 27, 2002