Residents protesting against a controversial rendering plant were celebrating today after its bid to expand operations was blocked.

Shipley Area Planning Panel refused to grant planning permission to double the number of lorry journeys to and from Erlings Works and increase opening times by six hours a day.

Bradford Council is already considering enforcement action against the company of Jerusalem Farm, Thornton, for breaching its operating hours. Speaking at yesterday's planning meeting, Councillor Simon Cooke (Cons, Bingley Rural) said the company was trying to exploit its original planning permission.

He said: "They are trying to get what they wanted in the first place by manipulation and adjustment of planning rules. It's an insult to the people who campaigned long and hard against this site, who are having to go through this again."

Town Planning consultant, Rodney Morris, speaking on behalf of residents in Denholme and Thornton, said about 100 people had attended a meeting to protest against the new plans which would damage their quality of life.

Omega Proteins was granted planning permission to modernise the premises at Half-Acre Road in 1999. But HGVs entering and leaving were restricted to 20 per day between 8am and 6pm and not at all on Sundays and bank holidays. Some 40 objections were received in response to the application to operate between 6am and 10pm.

Planning panel chairman, Councillor Robin Owens, said the decision to reject the application was straight forward. "We have a business which is breaking its conditions which is now applying for permission to break its conditions," he said.

Following the decision, headteacher of Keelam Primary School, David Atkinson, said he had objected to the plans as lorries passed their premises off Brighouse and Denholme Road and the smell was abominable. He said: "I'm pleased for the health and safety and well-being of the children."

Representatives from Erlings Works were not present at the meeting and were not available for comment.