A NELSON company has been granted planning permission for a flue to remove paint spraying fumes despite residents' concerns it was spewing out noxious substances.

However, North Valley Metal Company, based at the Barnfield Business Centre, Brunswick Street, said it would work with residents and councillors to allay fears and make sure nothing harmful was released.

Pendle Council's develop-ment control committee granted retrospective permission for the flue after the Nelson committee referred it to them because residents raised concerns.

The meeting was told the council currently monitorer the company, which uses domestic paint, through checking its invoices, but the firm did not need a permit because it used less than the three tonnes thresshold which would mean it needed a licence.