Object

Representation ID: 5364

Received: 30/12/2023

Respondent: Mr John Deag

With regards to Paragraph 52 Agricultural Waste. It
states that "The majority of agricultural wastes are not classified as controlled wastes".However, it is now widely accepted that 'natural' agricultural waste (e.g. excrement run off from stock yards, leaking slurry pits, inappropriate application of liquid excrement to fields, and large chicken housing facilities) can have a serious affect on water quality in rivers and lakes; it can also affect drinking water quality via reservoirs and aquifers. While many agricultural activities may be controlled by other legislation, planning has a part to play in controlling these sources of pollution and it would be good to consider some 'rules' which can be set out in the local plan. Rutland justifiably prides itself on its rural nature but this problem is blighting other rural communities and has become as national issue. It is relevant to note that protecting water quality is included in the Strategic Objectives (page 15). Admittedlyonly part of the problem can be tackled via planning, but the Local Plan should deal with what it can. The County should not be complacent.

Noted. As the Waste Planning Authority (WPA), Rutland County Council has a responsibility to address, through the planning system, the waste management of all controlled waste streams produced within Rutland. Agricultural waste is not classed as controlled waste and hence has not historically been regulated. As outlined in Local Plan Policies MIN4 and WST2, waste development, including facilities for managing agricultural waste, will only be permitted where proposals avoid and/or minimise potentially adverse impacts to acceptable levels. Assessment of the impacts of waste development on groundwater will be undertaken on a site-by-site basis at the planning application stage.