Floreat research hub Arvela slapped with operating ban after complaints of ‘putrid’, ‘unbearable’ odour

Floreat residents who say they have been hit by an “unbearable” odour are a step closer to sweeter-smelling relief after a nearby research facility believed responsible had its lease change application refused. Biotech company Arvela, which conducts research out of the UWA Shenton Park Research Station, has come under recent scrutiny over the continual stench, with residents banding together to demand the facility be shut down. Speaking at the City of Nedlands council meeting on Tuesday, Berwyn Roberts said the “putrid” odour was affecting residents’ quality of life. “It’s often impossible to go outside without experiencing revolting, dead carcass-like odours,” she said. “We can’t entertain outdoors ... we’ve been held captive in our own homes. “We’re angry, frustrated, ashamed, nauseated and embarrassed by this ongoing situation.” The council voted on Arvela’s change of lease application after realising the company was operating without valid planning approval. “Since they haven’t had a permit since June 2023 ... why has the planning team not taken action in June 2023 over this?,” mayor Fiona Argyle asked. Nedlands planning and development director Tony Free said city officers became aware of the odour issue only in March this year. A notice was then issued to Arvela to either cease operations or lodge a planning application. “(Arevla) has lodged a planning application and we’re in the process of dealing with that application,” he said. Founded by Luke Wheat in 2012, Arvela’s research involves breeding flies to feast on agricultural waste and converting their excrement into fertiliser. The company hopes its research will reduce feed costs for farmers and reduce agricultural waste. Between December and March, researchers switched the flies to an animal-based diet, which has also been suggested as a reason residents were noticing a more prominent smell. Mr Wheat told the council the company had made changes to reduce the odour and urged the council to allow its research to continue at the facility. “Since being made aware of the odour complaints form the community, we’ve been working tirelessly through a serious of mitigation strategies to address the odour impacts,” he said. “Any order to cease operations at this time would mean an end to 10 years of blood, sweat and tears, the immediate loss of 14 jobs and the missed opportunity to realise the true impact of our research on organise waste management.” Hale Legal lawyer Brendan Finn, representing Arvela, said the company was entitled to 21 days to respond. The decision to fast-track Arvela’s application meant normal consultation processes and opportunities to provide amended plans to the city were also missed. “The council would not have a properly informed decision on this matter, which can only be described as a complete denial of our client’s fundamental right to procedural fairness,” Mr Finn said. Mr Free warned there could also be “potential implications” for the city if it did not give Arvela a full and proper application process. “As a result of this coming to council tonight, our full assessment of the matter is incomplete,” he said. “We haven’t responded as we normally do to submissions received, nor has the applicant.” Despite a staff recommendation to defer any decision for a month, the council voted unanimously to refuse Arvela’s proposed change of lease application. Arvela has been contacted for comment.