Planners to rule on Alpaca scheme

WARRINGTON property developer Brian Foden should learn tonight if his controversial plan for a “field shelter” for special breed Alpacas can go ahead.
The scheme – which has already been rejected once and also thrown out by a planning inspector on appeal – comes before the borough council’s planning committee again.
Officers are recommending it be approved – but there are objections from Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and a neighbour.
Mr Foden wants to build a shelter for up to 12 Alpacas on land adjoining Barondale Grange, Stockport Road, Thelwall.
The new proposals has also been before the committee once but was deferred for further information relating to site access.
Mr Foden’s earlier appeal was dismissed on the grounds the building would be a sizable structure causing harm to the openness, character and appearance of the Green Belt.
The inspector also said the sale of Alpaca fur was a niche market and there was little to show the enterprise would be viable.
But planning officers say the new proposals are for a building with a 52 per cent smaller floor area and a 50 per cent reduction in its frontage, as well as a 0.6m reduction in height.
Access would be from a side road, not the busy Stockport Road so highways officers were not objecting.
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council have no concerns about the building but object to the access track.
A neighbour also says the access will be harmful to highway safety, the building will be too large and protected trees would have to be removed. They claim the proposed use is not appropriate in a residential area.