Poppywood Alpacas can continue at farm despite traffic concerns

Poppywood Alpacas, based on Brownlow Road in Horwich, has been operating since May 2021.

An application was submitted for retrospective planning permission for the continued use of the site for alpaca walking, as well as the erection of a detached timber building which operates as a cafe, gift shop and and classroom for visitors.

Bolton’s planning committee heard the site, which was formerly an equestrian stud farm is accessed by a single width, unadopted lane with no segregated footpath.

Poppywood Alpacas offers walking tours with the animals (Picture: Poppywood Alpacas)

Speaking in support of the plans, Tony Lang , said: “Alpaca walking provides mental well-being and health benefits.

“Many of the repeat visits are from groups from Bolton and surrounding boroughs who bring young adults and children with special needs.

“These include Bolton Smiley Faces, the Downs Syndrome support group, The Sapphire Partnership supporting young people with neuro-diverse needs and disabilities, Bolton Council’s fostering service and care in the community groups like Future Directions in Manchester among others.

“Poppywood also take alpacas out for one-to-one visits for patients at hospitals and hospices. “Bolton Coucnil’s own social workers make regular visits.

“This service contributes to health and well-being in Bolton.”

The council’s planning team said as an outdoor recreation the alpaca walking was not an inappropriate use within the green belt and the timber building and field shelter were appropriate facilities which did not harm the openness or purposes of the green belt.

The meeting heard there are 10 residential properties along the unadopted section of Brownlow Road and Poppywood Alpacas is the only business. Objections were received from 11 people.

Among concerns were that the green belt location should be protected from commercial development, that the farm is reached by a narrow unmade and unadopted lane which is dangerously unsuitable for increased traffic and that the lane cannot support two-way traffic and the amount of associated traffic.

The committee approved the application.