The application window for the Slurry Investment grant remains open until 31 January 2023. But when preparing your application, considering the planning position is as important as providing the data confirming storage requirements.
Time is of the essence if you’re considering making an application. (And some Civil Servants will be on strike in early 2023, which may cause delays.) So start pulling together all the information required by the RPA – and gain clarity on your planning situation – right away!
Slurry infrastructure planning issues
While agriculture benefits from permitted development rights, many people mistakenly believe it is unnecessary to apply to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) under the prior notification process for qualifying projects such as erecting a new building, creating a new cow track, or building a new slurry store.
Failure to secure the necessary planning consent (or a letter from your LPA confirming that prior approval is not required) can result in grant funding being withdrawn. What’s more, you cannot apply for prior approval retrospectively (it’s called prior approval for a reason!).
It is possible to secure prior approval for a new slurry store subject to meeting certain criteria. These include the proposed store being more than 25m from a classified highway; not within 400 metres of a protected dwelling; and that the proposal is less than 1,000 square metres in size.
AssetSphere have just secured prior approval for a new covered slurry tower providing six months of storage within the Mendip District Council region for a client wishing to submit an application for the Slurry Infrastructure grant.
Having been provided with the initial specification of the new store, it was apparent to us that the spec would not meet the criteria of the prior notification process.
To address this, we worked with the company chosen to supply the store and altered the dimensions to ensure compliance. This resulted in a successful application, with Mendip District Council confirming that prior approval was not necessary.
A further important consideration is whether any other planning consents that have been granted on the farm. For example, the existence of Class Qs or other prior approvals could automatically trigger a requirement to submit a full planning application.
AssetSphere can help you avoid planning problems when applying for the Slurry Infrastructure grant
We can help you through the initial process of establishing if you meet the Slurry Infrastructure grant’s criteria. If you do – and if your initial proposal is deemed eligible by the RPA – we can then assist with the critical task of securing the appropriate planning consent.
We can confirm whether your proposal requires prior approval or full planning permission for new infrastructure, and provide further advice as required. Our experienced team has a success rate of over 90% in respect of agricultural planning matters. We can also assist with the requisite planning application process and submissions.