Nuisance: Agricultural Odours

Odour is a very subjective discipline with many sources and multiple methods of assessment. It can be a nuisance, cause annoyance and disamenity and also induce health effects. Historically, odour has often been an overlooked subject that later causes issues leading to complaints. With increasing awareness in recent years, odour is becoming an ever increasing hot topic in the UK, with more developments are being objected to due to potential impacts upon local amenity.

It is important that developers be aware of recent and upcoming guidance, policy, strategy and legislation changes with regards to odour. Many developers are unwittingly opening themselves to risks of refusal, where early advice could avoid potential issues later on. Odour Consultants actively recommend early discussions to help minimise risk and promote due diligence for projects.

Conversely, it is important that objectors realise the potential weight that challenging a development on odour grounds can have.

ODC can provide odour expert witness services for both developers, objectors and local authorities. With access to over 70 years of experience, including expert witness support, we are well suited to help.

Our expert witness services include:

Liaising with the local authority and Counsel to discuss the best approach
Detailed odour analysis, including site surveys
Undertaking bespoke odour assessments
Providing proof of evidences
Being an expert witness
Providing ad-hoc support throughout the process

“I think the document is well written and contains the right amount of information for the purposes of supporting the Appeal Hearing Statement.”