7 December 2012 Last updated at 13:04 ET

Faccenda takes advice over Brackley residents' smell complaints

A chicken-processing plant at the centre of a row about bad smells has taken legal advice after residents united to take action.

About 50 families have contacted lawyers about the odours produced by the Faccenda factory on Willow Road, in Brackley, Northamptonshire.

Hugh James solicitors said a claim of "private nuisance" over "unreasonable" smells was being pursued.

Faccenda said it was investigating the claims and had taken legal advice.

'Undue interference'

Andy Dawkins, managing director of the company, said: "It comes with great sadness to us that some residents have threatened us with legal action."

He added that the firm could not comment on "specifics".

Gwen Evans, of Hugh James solicitors, said: "The claim is of private nuisance.

"The principle is that you should be able to use and enjoy your home without undue interference from your neighbour, whether that is a factory or foundry.

"In this case, we have also referred to the odour emissions from the factory being unreasonable in regards to the natural character of the area."

The Environment Agency said it was aware of "odour and noise" complaints relating to the plant.