Acorus have successfully secured planning permission for the siting of a dairy building with below-ground slurry store in Devon.
The Applicants, keen to diversify their farming enterprise and enter into the dairy industry, sought permission for a dairy building. The proposed dairy building provides space for 1.no robotic milker alongside cubicle housing for up to 60 dairy cows and associated space for loafing and ventilation etc. The Applicants, keen to provide a high-welfare unit, factored in an automated light harvesting system which shall optimise milk yield as a result of optimum photoperiod.
The subject site was located in the vicinity of a Grade II Listed Building, and within proximity to locally designated sites (Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest) which meant that consultation with Natural England (NE) was required. Specialist 3rd parties were engaged with to provide the relevant ammonia modelling and further reporting as requested by NE.
After a determination period spanning to 18 months, we are delighted that the Local Planning Authority (LPA) concluded that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of designated sites, which NE agreed with, resulting in a planning approval for the overall project.
The approved development represents a significant step forward for the Applicants, allowing them to establish a modern and sustainable dairy operation that is both environmentally sensitive and aligned with best practices in animal welfare.
Acorus worked closely with the Applicants throughout the process, coordinating environmental assessments, heritage impact analysis, and technical planning input to ensure the application was robust, evidence-led, and fully compliant with planning policy. We are proud to have supported a local farming business in achieving its diversification goals and look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the rural economy.