Plans for manure storage

Plans to store manure from a chicken farm are set to be granted – despite opposition.
Fears have been raised  by neighbouring residents about the potential smell coming from the planned building on land at Tyn Y Celyn, Clocaenog, near Ruthin, as well as a possible infestation of pests if the shed is given the go ahead.
Members of Denbighshire’s planning committee will meet on Wednesday, October 9, to discuss the application for the shed which would be 36m x 18m and constructed of pre-cast concrete panels and ‘juniper green’ powder coated metal sheet.
Clocaenog community council wrote to planners to say: “Since the commencement of the poultry operation  the applicant has managed the removal from the unit of all manure generated without the need for storage facilities on site.
“The size of the poultry unit has not changed and as such we see no justification for the erection of a storage facility on this site. Further, the size of the land holding has not increased and thus if considered, by the applicant, as too small for a separate storage facility in 2010 there has been no material change in circumstances to satisfy this application.
“We should in any event object to a variance of the proposals which secured the granting of permission for the poultry unit itself.”
However, planners have recommended permission be granted.
A report to members 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 and 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 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