A FARM near Oswestry has applied to build two agricultural tracks which it says could reduce pollutants entering nearby watercourses.
The application, submitted earlier in June for Cross Lanes Farm, in Hengoed, is for two tracks to be used for livestock and machinery movements, intending to reduce soil erosion and compaction.
A planning statement submitted to Shropshire Council by agents Roger Parry & Partners, which has an Oswestry office, said the tracks are within or close to the farm’s boundaries and also at a second site, Ysgubor Issa.
It added: “The proposed livestock and machinery tracks are within or adjacent to the existing farm yards at Cross Lanes and Ysgubor Issa, adjacent to the existing agricultural buildings."
The application states on average the track at Cross Lanes is 5m wide and 77m long and the track at Ysgubor Issa is 5m wide and 127m long.
The tracks will be constructed by digging a trench 5m wide and 150mm deep.
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It continues: “A geotextile membrane will be laid onto the subsoil as a base for the trench and then the trench will be filled with stone/hardcore to a depth of 150mm and compacted.
“This will be finished with a finer stone/hardcore material to 25mm.
“The applicant's farmyard is located within a Countryside Stewardship water quality medium priority area and therefore has been successful in gaining support from the local catchment sensitive farming officer.
“Grant funding for livestock and machinery tracks has been applied for through the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant.
“The proposed farm tracks will reduce soil compaction and erosion caused by livestock and machinery leaving the farm yards.
“The tracks will also help to reduce surface runoff, sediment and other pollutants from entering a watercourse.”
In conclusion, the report – prepared for owners Messrs Davies – has called for Shropshire Council to give planning permission.
It said: “In light of the above considerations, the proposal is considered fully compliant with all relevant national and local planning policies and therefore should be given approval.”
Anyone wishing to view or comment on the application can do so by searching 23/02554/AGR at Shropshire Council’s planning portal.
The consultation closes on Friday, July 7.
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