PLANS for a shelter to allow grazing for up to 24 alpacas in a field at Lymm have been approved by Warrington planners.
Permission has been granted for the erection of a single agricultural field shelter to hold up to 24 alpaca units, provision of new vehicular access from B5158 (Cherry Lane) and closure of existing access on land to the east of 140 Cherry Lane, Lymm.
The works will also consist of a new paddock fence and gate which benefit from permitted development rights.
The proposal by The Egerton Trust seeks consent for the erection of a 24-unit agricultural field shelter to support the use of the land for alpaca grazing. For clarity,
the site will not be used for alpaca trails or any commercial use but rather for agricultural grazing of alpacas. This will allow rotation of other grazing lands owned and controlled by The Egerton Trust and to allow the separation of the animals when required.
The proposal involves a modest timber-construction to the South East of the site.
The alpaca shelter will measure approximately 7.8 x 15.8m and will be a maximum height of 3.6m.
The British Alpaca Society recommends that sustainable acreage for alpaca farming is approximately one acre per five animals (however ten alpacas can be kept per acre if it is possible to supplement the grass with hay and clean up more often as well as rotate the pastures).
The paddock on site will be more than 3 acres, meaning the proposed number of animals are well within the recommended capacity. A new secure paddock fence line and gate will be erected – these will be less than 2m in height and therefore benefit from permitted development rights.
Warrington Borough Council planners approved the application under delgated powers.
