CONTROVERSIAL plans to construct a slurry lagoon have re-emerged after they were withdrawn following a backlash from villagers.

Proposals to build the large pit at Summer Farm, Crossways were shelved in August – but a new application has now been submitted to planners at West Dorset District Council.

The applicant is hoping to build the large slurry pit as they believe the current facilities are inadequate and do not comply with current legislation from the Environment Agency over nitrate pollution.

The Environment Agency and environmental health have said they have no objections to the slurry lagoon being built.

The previous application was withdrawn after villagers tallied up 139 objections against the plans, citing fears over the smell and impact on neighbouring villagers.

Residents have already voiced their concerns with the new application.

One of the submissions says: “The current facility at this farm already causes great inconvenience and nuisance to the village with the smell that pervades the area on certain days and in certain weather conditions.

“This farm is located within yards of the main residential area of this village and it is totally inappropriate to develop this kind of facility in such a position.”

Another states: “There has been no interaction from the proposer with the local residents on this matter which seems as though he has little regard for the population of Crossways.

“There has also been no consultation from the associated bodies assessing the proposal that would help alleviate our concerns.”

In a letter to residents, Andrew Brewer, chairman of Crossways Parish Council said: “Looking at the documentation, it would appear that the application is fundamentally the same – but that the supporting documentation has been revisited.

“In particular, reports have been commissioned which seem to indicate that inconvenience and nuisance will not be an issue. The council will be discussing the application and making comments at the next full council meeting on Thursday November 27, starting at 7pm.”

People have until Saturday November 29 to comment on the proposals.