Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for something to be done about the infamous “Penrith pong”.

Townsfolk have been fighting against the bad smell that hangs over the town for more than a decade.

Plans have been approved for a £20 million extension at Omega Proteins despite assurances made in 2014 that the smell be monitored.

A 650-name online petition calling on Eden District Council to stop approving planning applications at the animal rendering plant, at Wildriggs, Penrith, has been delivered to every councillor.

The 38degrees online petition was emailed to all district councillors and relevant council officers by Fresh AIR for Penrith, the campaign fighting to stop the Penrith ‘pong’.

Campaigners have said the authority recently approved the building of a £20m thermal oxidiser at the plant “without any consultation”.

Petition organiser Jeff Thomson said: “Now, EDC, which is the planning authority for the site, has another six ‘live’ planning applications from Omega.

“ It is now time to stop, take count and carefully consider whether this plant should be allowed to expand further. Councillors need to take heed of local people, local opinion and the local environment.”

Mr Thomson claims the Wildriggs site is already too big, is an eyesore, already places too much pressure on the local infrastructure, has a harmful effect on the local tourism industry and creates an odour nuisance adding: “The infamous Penrith ‘pong’ has been regular over the past few weeks, despite all the assurances the company has given in the past. There is no indication the odour has stopped or will stop. To allow any further growth at Omega would be against public interest.”

The campaign has been rumbling on for years and there has even been a song produced about the smell.

The group that owns the site said they were disappointed they have not been contacted for more details on the matter.

A spokesman for the Leo Group, which owns and operates Omega Proteins, said: “While everyone is clearly entitled to their own viewpoint, had Mr Thomson engaged with us he may well have a proper understanding of the nature of our Penrith operation, the benefit it brings to the UK agricultural industry, supporting local businesses and jobs, and most importantly, to protecting the safety of the UK’s food chain.”

A spokesman for Eden District Council said: “All planning applications received from the site will be determined in accordance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act and in accordance with the council’s constitution, either through the scheme of delegation or through planning committee for any development at the site.

“Each planning application is determined on its own merits and in consideration of the development plan, the national planning policy framework and all other material considerations.”