PLANS for an abattoir and 24 hour meat-processing factory on the outskirts of a quiet village are causing alarm among residents.

People in Marton cum Grafton, near Knaresborough, are aghast at plans for a former North Yorkshire County Council smallholding, Rougham Farm, on the A168.

According to the plans, 70 cattle, 240 sheep and 200 pigs a day will be slaughtered.

The parish council, however, claims that the figure could be far more than that, as the size of the plant could cope with a much large number. "Our independent adviser says the figures show an under capacity of the plant," said parish council chairman, Nick Wilson.

The council has been aware of plans for an abattoir within the parish since November 2000. It was informed that an application would be made to relocate a small-scale, part-time abattoir operation from Knaresborough.

"We are suspicious that a large multi-national company may be behind the application, especially as the site is not far from the A1. Animals could be brought in from all over the country," said Mr Wilson.

Two public meetings have been held in the village, which showed a 96pc objection to the plans.

Mr Wilson added: "On detailed scrutiny of the plans, it became obvious that, far from being a relocation, the plan is to build a massive abattoir and meat processing factory in unspoilt countryside, adjoining the village."

A previous plan for a motorway service area on the site was rejected at a public inquiry because of its unacceptable impact on the countryside.

"The parish council is therefore completely stunned by the size of this latest proposal," said Mr Wilson. "It seems incredible, when the service area was refused. The implications in terms of industrial development in the open countryside are far-reaching."

He said the parish council would take issue with Harrogate Council about the content of the plan: "There is great suspicion regarding this proposal, we need to know the true and full extent of the impact of the plan."

The family firm of P Hutton is the applicant.

If the plan is accepted, the firm claims it will replace the old-fashioned premises in Knaresborough town centre and will invest in the Rougham Farm site, with easy access and the most up-to-date technology.

The move, says the firm, has been made necessary because of the increasing number of regulations imposed on businesses dealing with livestock following the BSE and foot-and-mouth outbreaks.

The main abattoir facility is about 7,500 square metres and involves an investment by Huttons of about £1m.

Steven Mudd, director of the firm, said: "This development will make excellent use of the site for the farming community, creating farm-related jobs and providing the modern facilities farmers require in their abattoir service.

"Our family firm is now in its third generation and its survival depends on making investments that enable it to meet the demands of current legislation.

"The impact of recent events on the rural economy has led to the closure of two of the three Knaresborough-based abattoirs. This plan will ensure the survival of the last one and improvements of an important local facility.

"Much of the surrounding farmland on the site will be given over to landscaping.

"We also have received lots of support from the farming community and the NFU."