16 Dec 2014

Gelatine factory to ask for grace period

10:52 am on 16 December 2014

An embattled gelatine factory in Christchurch will apply to Canterbury's regional council today for a resource consent vital to its future.

The Gelita factory has been the subject of hundreds of complaints over the smell of rotting animal flesh in recent years, resulting in thousands of dollars in fines.

Gelita manager, Gary Monk, said he wanted the resource consent changed, allowing for a three-year grace period to make the required improvements.

He said it would be a big loss if the factory closed, taking 60 manufacturing jobs with it.

The owner of a nearby retail and hospitality development, Alasdair Cassels, said Gelita has consistently breached its consent, and must comply or face the consequences.

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