People living near a huge food production site in Norfolk have objected to its expansion amid fears that the site could become home to a slaughterhouse, with neighbours forced to listen to the "screams" of livestock. 

The Food Enterprise Park (FEP) in Easton could grow by roughly 50 acres under plans lodged with South Norfolk Council, providing space for new agricultural businesses.

However, local people have raised concerns that the development, which would also permit the storage and distribution of livestock, may pave the way for an abattoir at the site. 

Peter Milliken, who recently resigned from Easton parish council on health grounds, said: "They have opened the door for the livestock market, and they have left the door open to an abattoir on this site.

"It would be daft for them not the build one - it is said to be inhumane to transport the animals from one site to another.

"The smell and screams from the animals so close to the residents will not be a great attraction to want to live near such a unit. The village did not support this in the past."

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The application does not permit the rendering of animal carcasses, a process used on farms to make products such as lard, but Mr Milliken argues that this would not prevent a separate application for a slaughterhouse. 

The Food Enterprise Park, located along the A47, was originally granted permission for development by Broadland Council. The next phase of the project will be determined by South Norfolk members.

The site spans a total of 100 acres and aims to add value to crops grown in the county by processing and manufacturing products from them. It is currently home to agricultural businesses including Condimentum, a supplier for Colman's.

Eastern Daily Press: Condimentum, based at the Food Enterprise Park at Easton, Norwich, take mustard seeds from growers across East Anglia and double mill them to create mustard powder for Colman'sCondimentum, based at the Food Enterprise Park at Easton, Norwich, take mustard seeds from growers across East Anglia and double mill them to create mustard powder for Colman's (Image: Neil Didsbury)

The original site already has permission for the storage of livestock, but Mr Milliken believes the new development will increase the likelihood of such businesses being attracted to the park.

He has called on the parish council to lobby for a full public consultation on the proposals, regarding which he also has concerns about light pollution and visual impact, and its proximity to new housing developments. 

The application remains under consideration by South Norfolk Council.

Representatives of the Food Enterprise Park have declined to comment.