Manure shed to get go-ahead

Plans for a manure storage unit at a chicken farm look set to get the go-ahead – despite fears it could attract vermin.
Neighbouring residents have also voiced concerns about the potential smell  from the proposed building on land at Tyn Y Celyn, Clocaenog, near Ruthin.
Members of Denbighshire’s planning committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the application for the 36m x 18m shed which would be constructed of pre-cast concrete panels and ‘juniper green’ powder coated metal sheet.
The application, by Mr and Mrs Bruce and Catrin Jones, went before the committee in October, but councillors agreed to defer it so a detailed management plan for the storage and disposal of manure at the site could be submitted.
Clocaenog community council wrote to planners objecting to the plans, saying: “We have heard from residents at Cae Segwen and the wider Clocaenog community of the existing deprivations to the enjoyment of properties and leisure activities experienced as a  result of the current poultry manure storage on nearby land, utilised but not owned, by the applicant.
“These include, but are not limited to; noxious odour, airborne particles, flies, rodents and deterioration of localised road network. Many residents complain of the need to remain indoors with windows closed in certain prevailing weather conditions. We have also been given evidence from residents of the release of dust particles which are vented from the poultry unit itself which at times can have detrimental effects on received air quality.”
Officers have recommended members of the committee vote in favour of granting permission.
A report to members of the committee said: “The application has been submitted in response to new agricultural pollution regulations that
seek to reduce the amount of ammonia emissions from farms. This prevents the spreading of manure during wet periods and certain farms/livestock units must therefore have the capacity to store manure in dry conditions for up to five months. On this basis the proposal is considered acceptable in principle.
“Significant concern has been raised by local residents that the proposal would result in them suffering a loss of amenity by way of impacts from odour, dust, flies and vermin. Concern has also been raised in relation to the adequacy of the highway network to accommodate the additional vehicle movements.
“Whilst respecting these concerns, based on the submitted odour assessment and the comments of technical consultees, it is not considered that there is sufficient substance to the concerns to sustain a refusal.”

By Shane Brennan – Local Democracy Reporter