Slurry lagoon approved despite 'stench' concerns

A planning application allowing a dairy farmer to build a slurry lagoon has been unanimously supported by the Cornwall planning committee.

Best Farms Partnership (BFP) applied to construct the earth-banked lagoon at Hatt, near Saltash, to allow improved management of slurry for its wider farming operation.

A slurry lagoon is used to contain manure and organic waste to create and use as natural fertiliser on the fields.

Botus Fleming Parish Council raised concerns about the "stench" it could create, the potential contamination of a water course and the transportation of slurry along the local road network.

BFP said the application would prevent the need for slurry tankers to be on the road more than needed: "We will eliminate those unnecessary vehicle movements.

"As for odour, which has been raised, we have had a full odour and ammonia assessment completed and both of these have reported that there will be no adverse effects from this proposal."

Councillor Jim Candy said he was a "little bit surprised" the application had come to committee, but he understood there had been a lot of objections.

"Natural England are supportive of this scheme, therefore I think the impacts potentially on the wildlife habitats have been mitigated," he said.

Newly elected committee chairman Councillor Adrian Parsons said farming companies had to "keep up with the times" and progress and invest in their business.

He said: "Anyone who knows the rigmarole of installing a slurry pit, will understand it's not easy to satisfy all the outside consultees and the fact that the applicant has clearly had no opposition from Natural England or the EA means they have put a great deal of work into this application."

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