An alpaca centre ranked as one of the top 20 things to do in the area is at risk after it learnt it was operating without planning permission.

Pippa Berry started Poppywood Alpacas at a site in Wilderswood, Horwich, after a riding accident left her unable to run the site as a stud.

Mrs Berry started the alpaca centre off Brownlow Road in a building which was used for artificial insemination but, around two years ago, she switched it for another building with additional facilities including a cafe and a classroom. She was under the impression there was no need for planning permission after contact with Bolton Council but she later learnt this was not the case.

The attraction applied to the council for planning permission for the first time the same year, but it was refused, and it applied to the council for planning permission for the second time this year.

ALSO READ: Bolton: Plan for apartments in area around St Chad's Church.

The refusal was on the basis of the impact on the Green Belt, and the impact on issues including light pollution and noise pollution, and it came after opposition from councillors and residents.

The application appealed for the approval of planning permission for what it said was "a saviour" to Mrs Berry's recovery from the riding accident in which she suffered from a broken neck.

ALSO READ: Bolton Library work brought half a million in 'social value'.

The application said: "The policies, both nationally and locally, show the proposals meet the needs of the policies and enhance the established use within a rural area, replacing another rural use which is now redundant due to unforeseen circumstances. 

"We therefore conclude the proposals are in line with planning policies and should be approved."

Poppywood Alpacas is ranked as one of the top 20 things to do in the area on TripAdvisor with a rating of five out of five stars.

A consultation is open on the Bolton Council planning portal and the deadline for a decision by the authorities is next month.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.