The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has written to DAERA permanent secretary Noel Lavery outlining that it is deeply concerned about the approach being taken by the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) around ammonia emissions from farms.

According to the union, it first raised concerns in May, but as yet there has been little movement and, if anything, it would appear that the line being taken by NIEA officials is even tougher than before.

It is an exercise that generally costs farmers £2,500 to £3,000

The issue affects farmers who require planning approval for new housing (for example, houses over 500m2), with an assessment initially required to establish whether it is situated within 7.5km of designated sites (such as an area of special scientific interest) or 2km of a priority habitat (eg a raised bog or woodland).

If that is the case, then a modelling exercise must be undertaken to establish the potential effect of ammonia emissions from the new building on habitats in the surrounding area.

However, according to the union, the NIEA is now requiring a full ammonia assessment of the entire wider farm business irrespective of how long it has been operational and even if the farm is not proposing any change to livestock numbers or management.

It is an exercise that generally costs farmers £2,500 to £3,000, with no guarantee of a successful outcome.

Rather than go through this process, some farmers are now opting to lower their ambitions, and proceed with something that will be within permitted development (eg under 500m2).

“This is resulting in inefficiencies within the sector as farmers reluctantly move to build in smaller instalments, but critically will also not help in tackling the overall ammonia problem.

"I cannot overemphasise the seriousness of this situation and of the need to obtain an urgent resolution,” states the UFU letter.

The UFU maintains that part of the solution is to obtain a better understanding of the ammonia issue, backed by science, and develop a long-term approach in partnership with industry.

Irony

A report citing a possible way forward has been drafted by the John Gilliland-led group, which recently developed a sustainable land use strategy for NI. It is expected to set out a number of recommendations and is due in the coming weeks.

But part of the irony in the whole issue has been that some applicants to Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme have been caught out by the ammonia problem.

It is a scheme promoted and operated by DAERA officials, yet it is intervention from NIEA (part of DAERA) that has resulted in planning approvals being held up.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson said that the NIEA has been working with applicants and agents to reduce ammonia emissions from proposed developments to acceptable levels using suitable mitigation measures.

“This has allowed a significant number of applications to proceed,” said the spokesperson.

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