RESIDENTS who claim they are trapped in their homes because of smelly emissions from a factory said today they hoped planning controls would tackle the problem.

Householders who live near unit 16 of the Barnfield Industrial Estate have complained to Pendle Council about the chemical smell emitted from the building. Their complaints are backed by the Clover Hill Residents' Action Group and environmental campaigners.

The Nelson Area Committee adjourned discussion of planning permission for the one-metre fume extraction flue on the roof of the site at a meeting on September 1 to allow interested parties to discuss the issues. It is expected to make a decision at another meeting next week.

Ray Britner, of Beresford Street, is one of the residents who has complained repeatedly about the smell.

He said: "I would like to see the council get rid of the flue, or at least make it higher, but I don't know if they will. I'm very concerned about what could be going into the air.

"It feels like we are seen as a pain because we are just a small street in an industrial area."

Councillors will discuss whether to allow the company, Excel, to retain the flue next Monday.

An officer's report recommends the flue be approved as it is and states: "Investigatons have not substantiated any fume or odour nuisance to the nearby residential properties. However, the plate-making process uses a solvent with a very mild smell similar to dry cleaned clothes.

"Overall, the size and position of the flue is considered acceptable with the issue of the smell of the fumes remaining outstanding until comments have been received from Environmental Health."

A spokesman for Excel said: "There is no change to the planning application. Council officers wanted to meet with us and we will be doing that before the meeting."

The Nelson Committee will meet at Nelson Town Hall at 7pm on Monday.