Operators of a controversial animal rendering plant has accused Bradford Council of interfering in its procedures so much it borders on being illegal.

Omega Proteins, based at Earling works in Half Acre Road, Denholme, has been the subject of hundreds of complaints in recent years, many relating to smells emanating from the plant.

The council has become involved several times. A condition attached to the plant’s operation states the Leo Group cannot place any machinery on the site without its permission.

A recent letter from the local authority to the Leo Group said this included new machinery within existing buildings.

The company has complained this will have “serious implications” for not just itself, but industry in general. It has lodged a planning application to have the condition lifted, which was imposed by a planning inspector in 2010 Objectors to the plant have urged council officers to reject the firm’s bid. In its application, the Leo Group said: “The view and interpretation of the condition, and its implications, is potentially very serious for industry.

“It is a declaration the council intends to micro-manage the operation of the business. A local planning authority has no ability whatsoever to understand, plan for and implement necessary business decisions in the interest of operating this rare and nationally important business.

“The condition is unlawful as worded in that it seeks to restrict certain actions, which are not development.”

Lynnette Cadamarteri set up Stop Omega Stink in response to residents’ objections to the plant.

She said: “This application is yet another ploy by Omega Proteins and the Leo Group to develop this site and reduce the planning and environmental conditions attached to its operations.

“The conditions were set in place by the Secretary of State to protect the environment and the communities. We hope the council planning officers will refuse this application.”

The council said it did not comment on planning applications before they were dealt with, but released a statement saying: “We have received an application to remove a planning condition, which relates to plant and machinery. This condition was put on a decision notice issued by a government inspector in December 2010 following a planning appeal.

“The public can make written representations to our planning service, and any received will be taken into consideration.”