CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a slurry lagoon near Dorchester have re-emerged after they were withdrawn following a backlash from villagers.

Proposals to construct the large pit at Summer Farm along Warmwell Road, 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 regarding nitrate pollution.

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

People have until Saturday, November 29 to comment on the proposals before the district council makes a final decision.

The previous application was withdrawn after villagers tallied up 139 objections against the plans, citing fears over the smell and its impact on neighbouring villagers.

Residents have already voiced their concerns about the fresh application.

One of the submissions against the proposals 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 feedback at our meeting seemed to indicate otherwise.

“The council will be discussing the application and making comments at the next full council meeting on Thursday November 27, starting at 7pm.”