Water grants 2015: relocation of sheep pens only (RP21)
Eligibility and requirements for relocation of sheep pens only.
Applies to England
Farmers and other land managers can apply for water grants.
Read the accompanying guidance to find out more about Countryside Stewardship water grants 2015.
How much will be paid
£1830 per unit.
Where the item is available
- This item is available in Catchment Sensitive Farming target areas.
- It can be used to move a static holding pen used in conjunction with a mobile sheep dip (the mobile sheep dip can continue to be used).
When this item can’t be used
It can’t be used:
- to build new, permanent sheep dip and holding pens on a farm where there are no existing dipping facilities; or
- to replace existing equipment in the same location.
How this item will benefit the environment
This item will reduce water pollution by relocating sheep dips. Pollution from sheep dips can cause damage to people and aquatic wildlife.
Requirements
Before applying for this item, contact:
- the Environment Agency, to inform them about the planned works; and
- the local planning authority, to check if planning permission is needed.
Applicants must send any advice or consent they receive from them with their application for this item.
With permission from Natural England, advice and consent can be received up until 29 May 2015; applicants can discuss this with their local Catchment Sensitive Farming officer.
Applicants must also send dated photographs of the existing site with the application.
On the land
Successful applicants will need to install new sheep holding pens.
They must install the pens, and any dip baths, at least:
- 10m from watercourses (including streams, ditches, land drains and wetlands);
- 30m from watercourses that drain into protected conservation sites (such as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)); and
- 50m from any spring, well or borehole.
The drain pens must:
- be large enough to hold sheep for at least 10 minutes after dipping;
- have properly sealed floors and built-in slopes (this allows excess dip to drain back to the bath, rather than soaking into the ground, the soil or a surface water drain);
- have concrete areas that are impermeable, with watertight sealed joints; and
- have a filter or trap to prevent dirt and dip draining back into the bath.
All works must comply with the Groundwater Protection Code
Make sure that all capital works meet the relevant British Standards - check the most up-to-date standards.
Keeping records
Successful applicants will need to keep:
- dated photographs of the site after the work has taken place (submit these with any claim and show them on request);
- receipted invoices and bank statements relating to this work; and
- any consents received in connection with the work (show these on request).
What must not be done
The pens (or any dip baths) must not be installed on a slope, or at the top of one, where there’s a risk that spillage might drain to a watercourse, road or track.
How to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully.
How to get a permit to discharge sheep dip
An environmental permit will be needed to discharge sheep dip to land. A variation to the permit may be needed if the location of the discharge area is changed.
How to get best results
Drain pens should have a roof to prevent clean water from yards, roofs or land running into them.
How to protect the historic environment
Applicants should avoid using this item:
- close to a historic farmstead or listed building (applicants should get listed building consent if they do so); and
- on sites of archaeological or historic importance (relevant consents will be needed, such as scheduled monument consent from English Heritage, before using this item on such sites).
If it’s intended to install the dip on an SSSI, notify Natural England. Applicants should send a copy of any advice with the application for this item.
The character of the landscape should also be considered particularly applies in designated landscapes or historic parkland.
Related options
The following items can be used on the same area as this item: