Plans for a new dairy building and slurry tanks near Kippen have been given the go ahead despite objections.
Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Graham’s the Family Dairy (Property) Ltd and D&L Graham.
The proposal includes building an agricultural dairy building with underground slurry tanks, surface water and foul drainage and associated works to the A811 junction at Mains of Boquhan.
The proposed dairy is to replace the existing dairy operations at Boquhan Home Farm and the building will accommodate 306 Jersey cows from Boquhan Home Farm with calves continuing to be housed in the adjoining agricultural buildings.
However, two letters of objection had been submitted including one from Kippen Community Council.
Among issues raised are links with another planning application for an anaerobic digester; a potential increase in waste as the cattle are to be reared indoors whereas the herd is currently managed outside for part of the year; limited details on the impact of smells; and the potential effect on water pressure.
However, council planners said: “The [applicant’s] agent noted that a project review was carried out which considered the requirements should the anaerobic digester facility not go ahead.
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“In such a scenario a separate above ground slurry tank would not be required. Instead, the slurry would be spread on the surrounding fields as is currently the case through a combination of a gravity-fed umbilical system and tractor, in compliance with SEPA requirements and best practice.
“Whilst the cumulative effect of the two proposals (such as landscape and visual impact) has been considered, the applications have been assessed separately.
“The herd will continue to be managed in the same manner - spending part of the time outdoors. The agent confirmed that the Jersey cows will be grass fed and that this is a relocation of the existing herd.
“Environmental Health obtained further details from the agent with regard to the storage and handling of the slurry. Subject to the inclusion of conditions, Environmental Health were content with the proposals.
“The scale of waste would be commensurate with that currently produced by the herd within the Boquhan Home Farm site.
“The proposal includes a connection to the public water supply network. It is for Scottish Water to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to serve the development’s requirements. This is not a matter that can be addressed through the planning system.”
A Landscape and Visual Appraisal had found there would be no adverse, ‘important’ effects on views from the dispersed detached properties within the surrounding farmed carselands and proposed structure planting would establish over the short to medium term to soften effects.
The planners added: “Since young calves are reared at the Mains of Boquhan and the fields are used for grazing, it is anticipated that by relocating the dairy operation from Boquhan Home Farm to the Mains of Boquhan a significant reduction in cross traffic between the farms is expected, leading to a net betterment.
“The new facility will require two operatives and they will live in two of the properties currently on site.”
