PLANS for a covered slurry store near Carlisle have been approved by planners at Cumberland Council's planning department.

The application was for a site at Haythwaite Lane Farm in Raughton Head and, according to the decision notice, planning permission was granted subject to conditions on Monday (July 1).

According to a planning report the local plan requires that agricultural buildings and other farm structures relating to agricultural development are sited where practical to integrate with existing farm buildings and/or take advantage of the contours of the land and any existing natural screening.

It states: "The aim is not to hide new buildings or structures from sight, but to soften its outline and integrate them with the surrounding landscape.

"The proposal seeks full planning permission for a new slurry store to the west of the farmstead, within a field. The proposed slurry store would measure 33m in diameter (with an excavation diameter of 36m) and a height of 6m (with a cover which reaches 10m in height at a central point).

"The design, access and heritage statement submitted with the application states 'the proposed store will be constructed using steel panels with a double layer protection system and associated cover to reduce emissions. The proposed slurry store is to serve the existing agricultural enterprise, as opposed to leading to an increase in livestock, and is based on the applicant pumping the slurry from the adjoining buildings via an umbilical pipe'."

The report concludes that, in overall terms, it has been demonstrated that the scale and design of the structure is commensurate with the agricultural operation and the building would integrate with the farm steading.

It states: "The character or appearance of the rural area would not be adversely affected by the development nor would the proposal harm the setting of nearby listed buildings.

"The development would not affect the living conditions of the occupiers of any neighbouring properties and the proposal does not raise any issues in terms of biodiversity and nutrient neutrality. In all aspects the proposal is considered to be compliant with the objectives of the relevant local plan policies."