Residents oppose 'noisy and smelly' slurry lagoons

The lagoons would turn pig slurry into fertiliser

People living near the site where two slurry lagoons are proposed say the plan would result in noise, smells and flies.

The site is in a field between the villages of Clay Coton and Yelvertoft in Northamptonshire.

The public consultation on the plan ended on 15 July.

The applicants, named as "Messrs Clarkes", say the lagoons are needed so their business can comply with the farming rules for water.

The proposed earth-banked slurry lagoons would store slurry and water from pig farms, which would turn into natural fertiliser.

West Northamptonshire Council said the plan needed prior approval because it was less than 800m from the small village of Clay Coton.

The council also said the height of the lagoon site meant there would be a risk of overspill from the lagoons getting into wildlife habitats and watercourses, and access would be from a 60mph road.

The lagoons would be built in fields near Clay Coton

About 70 people registered their objections during the consultation process.

One objector said: "The use will give rise to unpleasant smells, flies and a hygiene risk. The degree of effect upon the village environment will be dependent on wind direction. But, when downwind, would make it unacceptable to be outdoors.

"Why should a village be subjected to this?"

Another said they would be "very upset by the smell, flies and noxious gases that would accompany this proposed build".

A number of people in Clay Coton have objected to the slurry lagoons

In their application, Messrs Clarkes said the lagoons were required "in order for the business to comply with the farming rules for water as the business requires additional storage".

The rules were introduced in 2018 to reduce and prevent pollution from agricultural sources.

The applicant's agent has been contacted for comment.

A date when a decision on the application will be made has yet to be fixed.