A BID to build a slurry storage barn big enough to hold five-months worth of dung on Ottery s outskirts has kicked up a stink with nearby residents.

A BID to build a slurry storage barn big enough to hold five-months worth of dung on Ottery's outskirts has kicked up a stink with nearby residents.

Birdcage Lane, Exeter Road and Cadhay homeowners have objected to proposals over odour and water pollution fears, saying: ""The smell would be horrendous." Applicants and owners of Cadhay Farm state the chosen site, south of Birdcage Lane, is around 100 meters from the nearest dwelling but one neighbour told civic leaders the proposed slurry barn would be 20 meters from their garden.

Plans have twice failed to win the support of Ottery town council planning committee members, who want the applicants to find an alternate location for the barn.

Farm owners the Nancekivells said the bid stemmed from Government requirements and DEFRA regulations and was in line with national legislation.

Planning authority East Devon District Council will consider the town's view when it decides the blueprint's fate. The council has received eight letters of objection.

In the correspondence, Birdcage Lane resident Tracy Salters said: "The smell, flies and noise would not only disturb me and my neighbours, but also all those people who enjoy walking, cycling, jogging and riding along this beautiful name."

The Mortimer family branded the proposed barn a "health risk" and a "nuisance".

Homeowners in Cadhay fear the facility could pollute a natural water spring that feeds around eleven properties.

Town council planners recognised the need for a slurry barn under current legislation during talks on Monday, but did not support amended plans. Councillors raised concerns over the visibility of the barn from Ottery and East Hill, and had worries about the potential for storm water run-off.