UP TO 40 jobs could be created on the outskirts of Haverfordwest, after plans to change a disused plant nursery into an abattoir were approved.

Outline planning for a new abattoir at the former Green Plains Nursery site, near to Haverfordwest Golf Club, was granted at a meeting of the county council’s planning committee on Tuesday, December 16.

The plans are for the demolition of the existing building on the site, and the erection of a 1,950 square metre abattoir.

A waste and odour management will need to be implemented to allay concerns over potential odours from offal and blood products, and the smell from animals awaiting slaughter.

In order to qualify for approval, developer Nick Heywood had to demonstrate he had found a suitable tenant for the site.

Colin Lewis, spokesman for Pembrokeshire Abattoir Ltd (formerly Pembrokeshire Meat Company), has confirmed he would be happy to take on the site, but said it would be reliant on Welsh Government funding.

His firm currently employs around 30 people, but Mr Lewis told the Western Telegraph that the move to new premises could provide scope for his firm to expand.

Jobs were saved at the Withybush-based abattoir earlier this year after its assets were bought out of administration.

Councillors welcomed the regeneration of the site, but expressed concerns over access from the A40.

The application states that vehicles travelling from Narberth will not be turning right into the premises, but will be expected to continue on to Haverfordwest, turn around the roundabout, and travel back up the road to make a left turn.

Councillors Brian Hall and Jacob Williams said this was unrealistic, and would be ignored by drivers.