THE ground has been broken on a solution to a persistent odour nuisance that has plagued Bodelwyddan residents for more than two years.

The Real Petfood Company (TRPC) on the Kinmel Park estate has commenced the construction of a 35 metre chimney, along with the installation of odour abatement technology, in the hopes of dispersing odours created in the manufacturing of its baked pet treats.

The chimney was green lit last November by Denbighshire County Council's planning committee, yet agreement had to be reached with the council over landscaping and visual aspects - such as the positioning of some of the equipment - before works could begin more than six months later.

TRPC managing director James Lawson said: “We’ve worked really closely with our consultants and also officers from Denbighshire CC to ensure the best possible outcome for all. We only got the final go-ahead at the end of April and groundworks are already underway."

In addition, the firm is fitting the latest environmentally friendly and sustainable plasma injection technology to further reduce any baking odours.

The company hopes that once operational, the chimney and equipment will ensure full dispersal and dilute effluent from the bakery oven to ensure an end to the issue, which caused friction between the company and village residents since spring 2017.

A spokesperson for the TRPC confirmed that works on the chimney was priotised before starting work on an additional planning application to build a two storey, 660 square metre office extension which had been deferred in February last year due to odour complaints.

TRPC have also confirmed confirmed that investment would continue at the site with plans for an expansion which could also see employee numbers increasing from 65 to about 100 over the next two years.