PLANS for a proposed slurry lagoon near Dalston have been approved by a planning officer at Cumberland Council's planning department.

The application was for a site at Hill House Nook, Ratten Row, and it was described as having agricultural use and covered an area of 125 hectares.

According to the decision notice, prior approval was required and permission was granted on Wednesday (June 26).

And, according to a decision and reasons report, overall, the proposed development would comply with the requirement of planning regulations.

It states: "However, consideration needs to be given to the siting of the lagoon as the development is located within an area subject to nutrient neutrality."

The report adds that Natural England has subsequently been consulted following the submission of further information in this respect and are of the understanding that the proposal is funded by the Slurry Infrastructure Grant (SIG).

It further states: "And therefore Natural England has confirmed that provided the proposal is undertaken in strict accordance with the SIG scheme criteria, including the installation and on-going maintenance of a slurry store cover, there will be no likely significant effect on any habitat sites, or significant impacts to any Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

"In such circumstances prior approval is required and granted."

According to the report there are no designations close to the site and it adds: "The site is located within the nutrient neutrality area, however proposal is a nutrient neutral proposal as there is no increase in livestock numbers as a result of this application.

"The proposal would allow the slurry to be stored for six months thus allowing it to be spread on the land at the most appropriate times, avoiding winter months.

The report concludes: "The proposal is necessary for the purposes of agriculture on the unit and satisfies the requirements and thresholds for permitted development set out in the order as set out above."