Residents living close to a factory in Gloucester say they haven't been consulted on expansion plans.

Permali Ltd, based on Bristol Road, has announced plans to expand the business and to increase solvent-based activity at the factory - to exceed 200 tonnes per year. In order to do this, the business has applied to Gloucester City Council for a permit.

Since the Permali plans were received, the council has started a consultation process with nearby residents and those likely to be most affected.

All residents in the Quayside area of Westgate have received letters, but very few people living in the Moreland area, close to the factory, have been contacted.

Moreland Labour councillors are angry at the lack of consultation in their ward, as only residents living on Bristol Road have been contacted by the council. Many more people living nearby are unaware of Permali's expansion proposals.

Councillors aren't concerned that the site itself could be unsafe, but are concerned that the increase in solvent-based activity could pose a public health risk.

Labour councillors in Moreland say they already receive complaints and concerns from residents about the smell from the site, even without the proposed expansion of activity.

Cllr Terry Pullen (Lab, Moreland) said: "I am angry that people living near the Permali factory have not been consulted by the council. There are hundreds of people living on the roads that connect Bristol Road with Seymour Road, all of whom live very close to the Permali factory.

"It is seriously disappointing that none of them have been informed. I have asked the council to put this right, but so far, no letters have been received by residents."

Cllr Tree Chambers-Dubus (Lab, Moreland) said: "The Permali expansion plans are worrying, and it is not right that many Moreland people have not been consulted. People who live in the area are already exposed to unacceptable smells that come from the Permali factory, and whilst we welcome additional jobs and employment, this cannot be to the detriment of local people and the environment.

"I strongly urge local people to take part in the consultation and contact the council with their views and opinions."