An established alpaca walking farm has been granted planning permission despite objections about traffic. Poppywood Alpacas, Brownlow Road, Horwich, has been operating since May 2021.
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. 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.
“This service contributes to health and well-being in Bolton.” Bolton 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.