John Clarke, who owns Rookery Farm, successfully challenged a ruling by Mid Suffolk District Council to refuse him a rendering permit for his business, which turns avian carcasses into fertiliser.

Following a hearing in March, an inspector for the Planning Inspectorate ordered the district council to issue Mr Clarke with the rendering permit, which he needed to continue to operate.

Speaking after the result last week, Mr Clarke said: "I am quite happy about the decision, but there was no need to get to this stage.

"We don't want to annoy anyone. All we want is to get on with our jobs and live a peaceful existence. "

Ray Melvin, district and parish councillor for Woolpit, branded the decision as 'quirky' in the face of public protest over the smell produced by the rendering plant.

Cllr Melvin said: "I am amazed the inspector came back with that decision.

"It is absolutely clear there is a problem there. It is a very unpleasant smell."

A public inquiry is due to be held on July 15 into a separate appeal by Mr Clarke against the council's refusal to grant permission for his application for a certificate of lawful development.

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