PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the go-ahead for a field shelter for 24 alpacas on land designated as natural/semi-natural green space – despite objections from nearby residents.
The objectors fear the development to the rear of Orford Road, Poulton South, Warrington could lead to animal waste causing smells, rats and vermin, loss of privacy and increases in traffic and parking.
They were also concerned about the land frequently flooding and being dangerously uneven for the animals and believed the shelter would be out of character with the residential nature of the area.
But members of Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee approved the plans submitted by the Egerton Trust.
Earlier proposals, dating back to 2007 and 2010, for using the site for a fishing lake or allotments were either refused or withdrawn.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved. They said the grazing of animals on the land did not require planning permission and the building of a two-sided field shelter of rural character was considered reasonable.
Gravel hardstanding would reduce flood risks and in the event of the field flooding the animals would not be at risk because they would be able to move about.
The development would not increase the risk of flooding
The nearest dwelling would be more than 50m away from the shelter and on the opposite of an elevated railway line.
2 Comments
LOSS OF PRIVACY?
FROM ALPACAS LOOKING IN YOUR WINDOWS?
GET A LIFE!
We have owned alpacas for 16 years. Their manure is not smelly at all and does not invite rats and vermin. Instead, it is a natural fertilizer that gardeners appreciate because it doesn’t burn the plants. Alpacas nibble grass without pulling it. Their two toes on each foot are protected by nails, not hooves. And at less than 200#s each, they are not heavy on the landscape. Very intelligent and eco-friendly animals.