Slurry lagoon plans raise smell and access concern

Concerns have been raised over plans for a slurry lagoon in Cornwall.

A Cornwall Council planning committee is set to review the application from Richard Best - which is seeking permission for an earth-banked slurry lagoon at a farm site in Hatt, near Saltash.

The lagoon would provide up to five months of storage and lie approximately 280m (918.6ft) to the south west of the nearest neighbouring residential property, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The plans have been objected to by Botus Fleming Parish Council, which had concerns about the smell, potential contamination of a water course and highways impact.

Slurry is a mixture of water and animal manure, which is spread on the land as a natural fertiliser.

A council planning report said the scheme would not result in any significant adverse impacts to the living conditions currently enjoyed by neighbours and had been earmarked for approval.

In its objection, Botus Fleming Parish Council said it was not clear how the slurry would be transported to the site.

The land is just off the A388, but concerns about large tankers driving down narrow rural roads locally used by walkers, horse riders and other motorists were raised by the council.

It added residents currently suffered from the stench of slurry across the wider farming site.

"They suffer headaches and coughs from the air pollution that is generated around their homes, their eyes sting and they have good reasons to fear the long-term consequences for their health," the council said.

An odour impact assessment had been submitted and the council's public protection team had raised no objections from a consultation.

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust has also been consulted as the site is near the Villaton Wood County Wildlife Site, with the charity making recommendations to ensure wildlife is protected during construction.

The Environment Agency (EA) had no objection to the plans, which it said would ensure the farm operated with sufficient storage for slurry.

"Nonetheless, the proposal must operate in accordance with the relevant regulations," the agency added.

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