THE first steps in a legal battle over the control of alleged smell from Fats and Proteins (UK) Ltd at Nightingale Hall, Lancaster, will take place in June.

At a preliminary hearing at Lancaster Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Michael Byrne agreed that a 'plea and directions' hearing should take place at Lancaster or Preston Crown Court during the week beginning June 2.

A date will then be set for a full hearing

Lancaster City Council alleges that the animal rendering plant is in breach of a condition that requires there should be no offensive odour beyond the boundary of the process.

The application for the hearing was made by Eric Shannon QC, prosecuting on behalf of the city council.

Martin Kingston QC, for the defence said that the venue for the trial was an issue, following widespread publicity in the local press.

He said it would be preferable for the trial to be held outside the area - in either Liverpool or Manchester.