Councillors will carry out a site visit to see the impact of a planned £850,000 investment in an animal processing plant.

Eden’s planning committee will travel to the Omega Proteins set-up at Wildriggs, Penrith, after officials had recommended the proposals be refused.

The firm wants to sink the cash into building a trailer shed. It says it is “odour-controlled” and has been designed to cut the potential for emissions.

But Eden’s planning officers say it will have a big impact on the landscape.

Omega Proteins, which processes animal by-products, says it is always aiming to reduce its impact on the area.

The new building would have the capacity to hold up to 16 trailers.

Jane Brindle, group technical manager, said: “At our last liaison meeting the plans for the trailer shed were met with positive comments from those members who live locally.

“Our aim is that once completed, the new building will be screened by a major tree planting exercise.”

In a report to the planning committee, Gwyn Clark, head of planning services, spelled out the reasons behind officers recommending refusal.

She said: “The proposal represents a significant extension into the open countryside for which an overriding need has not been demonstrated. The proposed building and associated service yard by their very nature and appearance will have a significant impact on the undeveloped character of the landscape and the visual amenity of the area.”

Mrs Brindle added: “Over the last decade we have invested millions of pounds at our Penrith plant, making it one of the most modern and technically-advanced processing facilities in the UK.

“We are continually looking at ways in which we can both improve our operation while at the same time reducing our impact on the local area.”

Members of the committee requested a site visit which will take place on December 3.