A Kingswinford councillor is calling for local residents to be listened to as Dudley Council prepares to decide on a controversial plan to extend an abattoir.

Cllr Nicola Richards says she wants to make sure people living close to Janan Meat on Ham Lane are fully consulted before councillors make their decision whether to allow an extension to be built.

The company wants to expand its present premises on the Qubestor House site, which it uses as a packing plant and dispatch depot, across the road from its abattoir.

The company slaughters sheep for the halal meat trade and has been the target of animal rights campaigners. This year it recorded a turnover of more than £61 million.

The application has led to 18 letters of objection from 26 adjoining neighbours who complain of noise and smells from the site and fear traffic problems will affect them.

Planning officers are recommending councillors approve the plan subject to conditions on noise and that there are no deliveries to the site at weekends and on public holidays.

Cllr Richards said in the past residents felt they had not been listened to: "I have reservations about the size of the building and how close it would be to existing buildings.

"I think residents should be fully consulted and not left feeling they have been ignored again."