Site selection and planning requirements for outdoor straw pads

Practical advice on planning and design requirements for outdoor straw pads.  

Top tips

• When selecting a site for a straw pad, consider the protection of watercourses and groundwater
• The development of a straw pad may require an application to the local planning authority
• Be prepared to explain why the pad is needed and emphasise the benefits, both in environmental terms and how it contributes to the business
• Where possible, straw pads should be lined with effluent collection facilities to minimise the risk of diffuse pollution from uncontained run-off

Do not locate the (lined or unlined) straw pad:

• Within at least 10 m of surface water, including ditches, or of a land drain
• On shallow soil over gravel or rock
• Within groundwater source protection zone 1 (If a source protection zone has not been defined, then within at least 50 m of any well, spring or borehole used for the supply of water for human consumption, including private water supplies.)
• On land likely to flood or become waterlogged absorptive ­– if necessary, construct a drain to intercept and re-route drainage around the straw pad
• On a sloped site

Farmers considering constructing a straw pad must first consult with the Environment Agency.

The sensitivity of surface water and/or groundwater to pollution from an unlined straw pad may further prohibit their location in certain areas. In all cases, what is/is not acceptable at a specific location will depend on a risk-based assessment (source – pathway – receptor).

When selecting a site for a straw pad, consider whether vehicle access is needed for delivery of bedding, feed etc. Close access to silage clamps or other feed facilities minimises the work involved in daily feeding, while close access to other farm buildings may make it easier to handle cattle and bring them inside off the pad if needed.

Whilst the pad will benefit from winds to assist surface drying, exposure to extremely cold winds and wet conditions can be problematic for animals. For exposed sites, the use of a shelter, such as a windbreak material or a hedge, can be beneficial for the welfare of less hardy breeds or younger animals.

The development of a straw pad may require an application to the local planning authority. An application should be made to the local planning authority before beginning the development to determine whether the siting, design and appearance of the straw pad requires their prior approval.

Where possible, straw pads should be lined with effluent collection facilities to minimise the risk of diffuse pollution from uncontained run-off. The sensitivity of surface water and/or groundwater to pollution from an unlined straw pad may further prohibit their location in certain areas.

Care should be taken when ‘mucking out’ the soiled straw bedding, so as not to damage the drainage system. Under current Nitrogen Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations, any effluent draining from a straw pad is classed as slurry.

Farms in NVZs must show their storage requirement calculations and provide five months of storage for effluent and slurry. Slurry stores should also meet the Storage of Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations.

While farmers constructing a lined straw pad may remove the topsoil layer when installing the drainage system, topsoil should not be removed for an unlined straw pad.

Farmers considering constructing an unlined straw pad must first consult with the Environment Agency and demonstrate that they will use sufficient bedding to absorb all the dung, urine and rainfall to the pad area. Their planned outdoor pad must not pose an unacceptable risk of diffuse pollution.

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