Newport Alpaca farm 'would 'provide an economic benefit' to the area
Alpacas could be raised on farmland and a mental health focussed trekking facility could follow, if plans are approved.
The five-acre site, known as “Police Field” in Newport, is on the west side of the A41 Newport bypass, just north of the junction with Pave Lane.
The application, submitted by landowner Darren Mahon, includes a barn and feed store building and a caravan to house an on-site farm worker, something his planning agent argues is necessary to help the animals while they are giving birth and protect them from disease and predators.
Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish Council will be consulted about the proposal, and Telford and Wrekin Council will make its decision at a later date.
An agricultural appraisal, submitted by Keith Reynolds of Nottingham-based Reynolds Associates on behalf of Mr Mahon, says Telford and Wrekin’s Local Plan allows worker accommodation to be sited on or near agricultural sites if housing is not already available on or near the holding site.
That accommodation can be temporary while businesses are being established and proving their viability, he adds.
Mr Reynolds argues an on-site presence is necessary to protect the alpacas from disease or predators or assist during birth.
“Living nearby is not an acceptable option,” he writes.
“Someone resident on site has a full chance to look after the alpacas properly, handle the births, keep the youngsters safe and guard against predation and dog worrying; there is a public footpath across the farm.
“The time taken to drive to the farm, inspect, wait to see if all is all right, returning home then worrying and deciding you out to go back to look after the animals is not time well spent.
“The alpaca breeding programme will lead to a further application for an appointment-only alpaca trekking facility to be utilised for persons with mental disabilities and for the purposes of mindfulness activities for those thus referred by the NHS, in particular sufferers of PTSD.
“As such, not only would the overall facility require onsite provision; in the long term the facility would provide an economic benefit to the area.”
