ALMOST 1,000 residents are protesting against plans to build an abattoir which could ‘ruin tourism’ in Dymock.

Campaigners say foul smells, noise, pest infestation would emanate from the proposed 8073 sq ft slaughterhouse at Green Hill Farm (formerly Mooroak Farm) on land off Newent Road.

Applicant Mohammed Jaffer, who owns livestock farms in the county, wishes to reduce the unnecessarily long journeys currently required for local farmers to process livestock.

But hundreds of residents along with Dymock Parish Council are objecting to the proposals.

Villager Dee Chamberlain says a new slaughterhouse could ruin the nature of Dymock which has seen the success of its cricket club, festival and countryside walks bring extra tourists to the village each year.

She said: “Who would want to come to the village with foul smells coming from the site and the extra traffic it would create?”

Objector Martin Fowke, Dymock Cricket Club chairman, said his 200-strong club objected to the plans and said: “Further increases in traffic, and the inevitable odours that would linger across our playing fields would not be acceptable to members, visitors or the parents and children of our sporting facility.

“This is an application from people outside the community who have no interest in the community.

“There is no benefit to the community in terms of jobs, produce, environment and therefore should not be allowed.”

Planners are expected to reach a decision on the proposals at the Forest of Dean District Council offices on June 13.