A SMALL community laboratory to analyse soil samples is being proposed for the Pineapple Business Park at Salwayash.

The container-sized lab’ would be used to investigate soil structures and water quality on Pineapple Farm and neighbouring farms with the aim of developing an understanding of the state of west Dorset’s soils and rivers.

A planning agent for the application says the project has the support of Dorset National Landscapes, Dorset Wildlife Trust and West Dorset Wilding, with the laboratory being disabled compliant to allow the widest possible community access.

Said the agent in a report to Dorset Council in support of a planning application for the building: "By establishing a community laboratory, with suitable facilities, it will support communities to tackle the issues facing our natural environment. The lab will achieve this by helping better understand the impact of sediment, nutrients, and sewage on the state of our rivers, and track improvements as a result of ongoing work, with a wide range of landowners and farmers in the area. The facility will also work with farmers to help them better understand the health of their soils. This will lead to a reduction in artificial inputs and disturbance of the soil, further helping the state of our rivers, while also reducing flood risk and storing more carbon.”

Netherbury parish council has made no objection to the proposal.

The details of the application can be seen on the Dorset Council website, where comments are also possible, by using the reference provided.

P/FUL/2024/04308 : Pineapple Farm Pineapple Lane Salwayash DT6 5HZ. Erect Community Laboratory.