A LAGOON which risks turning a field into a "slurry pit" would cause traffic a tiny road cannot cope with, it has been claimed.

Hayleys Manor Farm, in Upland Road, Epping, has applied for planning permission to create the 10,000 cubic metre biofertiliser to help crops grow.

But it would mean bringing a total of 666 tankers onto the land through the narrow Upland Road, something which has been met with concern.

The situation was discussed at a planning meeting of North Weald Bassett Parish Council as the road leading up to the farm sits on their ward.

Cllr Terry Blanks said: "A lagoon sounds quite nice, but does it really mean a slurry pit?"

He also told the Guardian: "We don't criticise the idea of improving crops, but is this the right place for it?

"There's an awful lot of small traffic going down the road as it's very narrow.

"We've had speeding complaints, big tankers could make things worse. We are worried about the amount of traffic this would generate."

The lagoon will be covered so it won't cause a smell.

The route the tankers would take would be from junction 7 of the M11, along B1393 and along Upload Road.

Councillor Brian Eldridge said the council was not opposed to the purpose of the lagoon but with the traffic issues.

He said: "The lagoon for biofertilisation is much better than chemical - it helps wildlife such as bees - so it's the preferable thing.

"But my worry is with the tankers transporting the stuff, going down that road. It's congested enough as it is."

On Thursday, the driver of a VW Polo died after his car collided with a Range Rover in Thornwood, minutes away from Upland Road.

There are fears the extra traffic could create a dangerous situation in a small road which is "busy enough as it is".

Cllr Eldridge added: "More congestion creates more fatalities.

"It's right by the M11 and when there's a hold up, it causes tailbacks in the village. It's like a domino effect."

At the meeting, Cllr Elaine Godwin-Brown also questioned how the farm currently fertilisers its land at the moment.

The 88m x 75m lined lagoon would provide nine months' storage of biofertiliser, and the lining would last around 20 years before it needed to be replaced.

Councillor Sheila Jackman said: "It is the impact the use would have on our parish."

The Guardian has contacted Hayleys Manor Farm for comment.