Jim Allister MEP has welcomed the announcement made by Lord Rooker which will result in the majority of farmers who are going to construct additional storage capacity for slurry not requiring planning permission.  Over the last number of months, the DUP has lobbied the Minister for a significant increase in the ground area of slurry tanks before planning is required. 

Jim Allister commented, “During the debate on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive and at the start of the planning consultation the DUP called for an extension of the current 300 square meters maximum ground area, for buildings or structures for the storage of slurry and manure, to at least 600 square meters.  I welcome that the Minister has decided to take the DUP views on board and increase the permitted development to 600 square meters.  This will undoubtedly mean that many farmers who wish to avail of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme will not require planning permission. 

“With the current economic climate in the farming community, many farmers are reluctant in spending large sums of money in both steel and concrete to store slurry.  The relaxation of the planning rules will save money, time and reduce paper work associated with the construction of larger tanks.  I hope that the change to planning will encourage many other farmers to use the scheme available." 

Jim Allister has called on the Government to make swift changes to the relevant planning legislation.  “Now that the Minister has made the announcement I hope that the legislation is quickly changed.  Under the current rules of the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, farmers need to have works completed by November 2006.  With the delay in announcing increased grant rate and changes to planning, it will be difficult for many farmers to meet this deadline.  I will also be looking for those farmers who have already applied for planning permission for stores less than 600 square meters to get a rebate.  It is unfair that these people are penalised due to applying for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme prior to the planning legislation changing.