The government has announced a new Slurry Store Grant, initially targeted at those sites which will deliver the most environmental impact. Justin Stevenson, Senior Planning Consultant at The Rural Planning Co gives an overview as to who will be interested in this grant and what the implications are from a planning perspective.

In summary...

In June the government announced a grant to fund up to 50% of the cost to upgrade, replace or build a new slurry store for Pig, Dairy and Beef farmers. This will open to applications this autumn. There will be multiple rounds as it is expected that the first and probably the next few rounds will be oversubscribed.

Who?

The grant is open to Pig, Dairy and Beef farmers but is to be initially targeted to those sites which will deliver the most environmental impact.

Will you need planning?

The location of the slurry store will determine whether the proposal can be dealt with by a prior notification or whether full planning will be required. We don't know as yet the timescale for claiming the grant but it is worthwhile establishing now whether you need full planning.

What to do now?

If full planning is required then consider starting to prepare the groundwork or even submit a planning application. Some LPA's are currently taking more than 16 weeks to validate an application which is then likely to take another 2 to 3 months to be determined. Therefore from determining that a full planning application is needed to getting consent can easily take 8 to 9 months due to delays with LPA's.

How can we help you?

If you would like to talk to us about your site, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We have a team of Planning Consultants who can help you determine whether planning permission is required and if it is we can help with your application.


Justin Stevenson BSC (HONS) MRICS FAAV

QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Batchelor of Science degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University
  • Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
  • Fellow of the Agricultural Valuers Association (CAAV)

Having spent 20 years at Balfours, Justin has recently joined The Rural Planning Co as a Senior Planning Consultant. Justin brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.