5,700-litre septic tank at Land at the north end of North Intake Lane, Owston Ferry

The site and surroundings

The site is agricultural scrubland with mature trees and ponds, outside the development boundary and about 340 metres from Gunthorpe.

“CONSTRAINTS Outside the development boundary SFRA flood zone 2/3 (a) fluvial ASSESSMENT Description of the site and proposal This proposal seeks planning permission to install a 5,700 litre septic tank with liquid clearwater overflow to accommodate wastewater generated from the site office on land at the north end of North Intake Lane, Owston Ferry.”

“The model shows a sewage disposal solution often used for domestic properties not connected to a mains sewer system. The septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system for the approved office without mains drainage, using natural processes to separate solids (sludge) and liquids (effluent) from sewage, with solids settling and liquids flowing to a drainage field (soakaway) for further natural treatment in the soil.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Permission was approved in 2024 for a dog training facility with a mobile building providing office, toilet, refreshment and washing facilities.

“PA/2023/1687: Planning permission for a change of use from agricultural land to an area used for dog training, including a mobile building for use as an office, toilets and washing facilities, and a refreshment-making facility, and the creation of bunding around parts of the site – approved with conditions 22/03/2024.”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

The Environment Agency, ecology and highways officers raised no objections, while drainage concerns were addressed by details of a catch pit.

“CS2 Delivering more sustainable development CS3 Development limits CS5 Delivering quality design in North Lincolnshire CONSULTATIONS Environment Agency: No objection subject to informative comments. Drainage (Lead Local Flood Authority): Initially had concerns regarding the septic tank overflowing freely into the ground.”

Officer report

Concerns and support

Nineteen public responses objected over matters including noise, trees, wildlife, flooding, access and the tank’s size; five supported the proposal.

“The comments received are summarised below: Objections: • loss of trees • noise nuisance • the size of the septic tank • public transport • farm machinery throughout the year • wildlife • impact on protected species • the application has no economic benefit to the village • the access is not suitable for heavy traffic • flooding • the septic tank is excessive for 2 part-time employees…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector questioned the tank’s size, intended use and policing, while the applicant said it would future-proof later development.

What members discussed

The local ward member referred to residents’ concerns, while two councillors considered the proposal future-proofing that should be commended.

“Councillor D Rose, local ward member informed members that he had received communication from concerned residents due to the size of the septic tank. There had been no consultation with residents on the use of the tank, with the planning process being used as an opportunity for frank exchanges between the applicant and respondents.”

“Councillors D Southern and J Matthews believed the application was to future proof the business, which was to be commended.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission in accordance with the officer’s recommendation.

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the planning officer’s report.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The permission limits the system to sewage disposal for the approved site office uses and requires development to follow the approved plans.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:”

“The septic tank/treatment system hereby permitted shall be used solely for the sewage disposal of the site office uses approved under this permission and for no other purpose on land at the north end of North Intake Lane, Owston Ferry, DN9 1BQ.”

Officer report