A major dispute between a council and a controversial deodorant factory in Tonbridge will go before a judge during a five day trial.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) handed Drytec, in Morley Road, two abatement notices last year. The orders required it to stop a 'sickly-sweet' smell coming from the factory after almost 20 years of complaints.

The council also penalised the company in June after it missed a deadline set for the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidiser - a machine which would remove the stench.

Nearly a year after the council's intervention, residents have claimed that the emissions can still be smelt on almost a daily basis.

Hundreds of complaints have been lodged with the council.

The factory produces fragrances used in deodorant and flavours for food. Despite its industrial location in Tonbridge, emissions can often be smelt in the north of the town.

Representatives from the council and Drytec appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' court this morning for a case management hearing.

On behalf of Drytec, barrister Christopher Badger, said the company was appealing the notices because they were "unjustified" and "unnecessary".

However Mr Juan Lopez, representing the council, said even the complainants own expert did not agree action was unjustified.

Both parties will attend a pre-trial review at Folkestone Magistrates Court on August 6 ahead of a five-day trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on September 11, 14, 15, 16 and 18.