A major agricultural business is looking to expand with a new £250,000 development which would double its capacity.

J H Lambert Ltd, based on Eye Airfield, has applied for permission to build an extension at its abattoir, which is used by 1,500 farms in the region.

The building, which would be 6,600 square feet in size, would be used to provide reserve capacity for livestock and could be used for lorries carrying animals passing through the area overnight.

Kevin Burrows, managing director and owner of J H Lambert Ltd, said: “We need to plan a little bit better in the industry and we need to have a back-up for emergency slaughters. It helps to have more space, it helps us to do our job better.

“We do a good job anyway but we just want to improve and improve standards rather than just the status quo.

“We are looking at exporting to different markets, bringing foreign money into this area which I would use to create employment.”

The extension would provide capacity for an extra 450 pigs to double its total to 900.

But Eye Town Council has voted against the proposal, arguing it would be an “over-development” for the site and would increase noise and odour levels as well as lorry journeys to and from the business.

The council said it had been contacted by a number of neighbours who argue the extension would lead to a “loss of amenity” if built.

A petition against the plans has been started by companies on the business park.

Mr Burrows said he understood the concerns but he defended the application and welcomed anyone to visit the site.

He said: “It’s a vital part of the industry in this area, we service 1,500 farms. This is an important facility and needs to stay open. It’s an industrial estate, it’s for the production of product – it’s a defunct airfield – what else is it for?”

He said the business met and exceeded the welfare standards expected of it by several national organisations.

He also claimed the business had only received complaints in the last few weeks and not in the past few months.

A Mid Suffolk District Council planning committee is due to meet next Wednesday to discuss the proposals.

Council officers have recommended the application for approval subject to several conditions being met.