A composting company is hoping to address neighbours’ complaints of an unpleasant stench by expanding and enclosing the existing structures at its Elstree plant.

However an opposition group says enlarging the buildings “would not stop the offensive effluvia that intermittently makes life a misery for residents”.

READ MORE: 'Revolting' composting site forced to address smell complaints

Reviva was ordered to enclose the Elstree Hill South site’s borders after nearly 100 neighbouring households complained about the foul smell emanating from the rotting waste.

Clare Newton, of Elstree and Borehamwood Resident’s Association, said: “One question we want to ask Reviva is what exactly is causing the smell?

“Back in 2009 we were told by the environmental and commercial officer at Hertsmere Borough Council we would not be affected by the odours and smells from the composting site. But we are.

“We really hope that Reviva do reach out and give us the answers we want.”

A Statutory Nuisance Abatement Notice was served by Hertsmere Borough Council in December 2015 because the smell was considered a nuisance to neighbours living nearby, with some homes as close as 300 metres away.

Mike Branston of the Brockley Hill Residents Association said they are against Reviva continually using the site at Elstree.

He said: "In 2009 Hertsmere Borough Council commissioned a report by the Director of Environmental & Commercial Services on the proposed site.  

"It stated that it would be used for processing green waste - mainly wood which would not produce much odour or dust.  The site would employ 3-4 staff.

"In Reviva's Planning Statement dated October 2016 they now state that the site employs 20 staff and it is used to process biodegradeable waste which produces gases including methane (which they state is 25 x more harmful than carbon dioxide) ammonia and sulphur (smell of rotten eggs)

"Considering there is a nursing home within 300 metres of the site and the RNOH is less than 1 km from the site the potential risk to the old and infirm must be substantial.  

"Even if they enclose the site there will always be a risk of an accidental release of fumes.

"We urge that the site be closed down immediately."

Reviva, which has been carrying out activities at the site since 2011, has now submitted a planning application to Hertfordshire County Council to address the issue.

Their plans consist of extending the existing waste containment structure by more than 4,000m², covering it and filtering out the pungent odour.

But with its location on Green Belt land, the Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society has questioned the proposal, stating it is “greatly concerned” by the planned expansion.

“The area is Green Belt land, and permission for a recycling centre was mistakenly given in the first place,” said group committee member Pat Strack.

“The nauseous, cloying smell pervades the air and has caused nuisance over a wide area, from Stirling Corner in Edgware to Harrow and beyond, this autumn.

“The process of loading and unloading the removal lorries generates really horrible stenches and must be a health hazard for staff and nearby households.

“The site is far too close to a residential area. The application should be turned down and the site should, in our opinion, be relocated.”

If planning consent is granted, building work must be completed and the structure made operational within 12 months.

The Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society is encouraging all those affected by the “invasive smell” to send their objections to the spatial planning department at Hertfordshire County Council, quoting planning reference PL/0815/16 by November 22.