The Skipton and Ripon Area Planning Committee met to discuss the construction of an earth banked slurry lagoon at Inglehurst Farm. Councillors voted to approve the construction, with additional conditions requiring the removal of an existing above-ground slurry store and restricting the source of slurry deposited in the new lagoon.

Inglehurst Farm Slurry Lagoon

Councillors approved an application for the construction of an earth banked slurry lagoon at Inglehurst Farm in Felliscliffe. The application, ZC25/00215/FUL, was brought to the committee due to the site's location within the Nidderdale National Landscape¹ and significant public interest.

The planning officer updated the committee on minor amendments to the report, clarifying that the lagoon's eastern and western sides would measure 36m (not 26m), and the farm holding was 92 acres (not 96 acres).

According to the Public Reports Pack, the proposed lagoon is intended to improve the efficiency of the existing agricultural enterprise and ensure compliance with current and future legislation. The lagoon will be covered by a membrane and connected to an existing reception pit via an underground slurry channel.

Several members of the public spoke about the application, including objectors Mr Mark Dyson and Mr Callum Gillhespy, and Mr Andrew Hardcastle, the agent for the applicant.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about potential odour increases and the proximity of the lagoon to adjacent businesses and residential properties. There was also a concern that slurry could be imported from other farm holdings.

Despite these concerns, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to the conditions outlined in the Assistant Director's report, as well as two additional conditions:

1. The existing above-ground slurry store at the site must be emptied and completely removed within six months of the new lagoon being brought into use.
2. Only slurry from cattle houses on the agricultural unit at Inglehurst Farm can be deposited in the new lagoon.

The motion was carried with three votes in favour and one against.

The Public Reports Pack includes a summary of the planning considerations that supported the approval of the application.

The design, siting and principal of the proposal are considered acceptable. It will not detrimentally impact the locality or wider character of the surrounding Nidderdale National landscape. The proposal is in accordance with Local Plan Policies GS5, GS6, HP3 and NE4 and paragraphs 132,187 and 189 of the NPPF. It is considered that the development would have key ecological benefits due to it creating a habitat for local wildlife. This accords with paragraph 187 (d) of the NPPF and Policy NE3 of the Local Plan.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Nathan Hull, Chair of the Committee, noted that he had been contacted by Mr Dyson, an objector to the application for the slurry lagoon. Councillor Hull stated that he had not expressed any views to Mr Dyson and would consider the application with an open mind.