The UK's environment watchdog has launched its first case in Northern Ireland over a Stormont Department's guidance to planners on ammonia emissions.
NI's Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs oversees the 'Operational Protocol' provided to planning authorities and applicants seeking planning permission for livestock developments like pig and chicken houses, cattle sheds and central anaerobic digesters.
Ammonia, which is harmful to biodiversity, the environment and people's health, largely comes from livestock manure and levels have risen an "unsustainable" 19% from 2009 to 2019 according to OEP CEO Natalie Prosser.
