Alpaca farm's plans for permanent home overlooking River Severn near Bridgnorth spark objections
Campaigners say the site is a "prime and stunning green belt" location
An alpaca business's plans for a permanent rural worker's home overlooking the River Severn have met with objections.
Andrew and Loraine Bassett run Severn Valley Alpacas at Romsley, in Alveley, near Bridgnorth.
They were granted temporary permission for a mobile home at the site in 2021, and have now asked planners to make the arrangement permanent.
The application has reignited previous concerns, with the Bridgnorth branch of countryside campaign group CPRE and the ward councillor lodging objections.
What the objectors say
Councillor Colin Taylor, a Liberal Democrat representing Bridgnorth South and Alveley, has told planners that "NO amount of 'weighting' to allow for rural development, can override the harm that this proposal will do, and is doing, to the green belt and openness of the glorious countryside at this location."
He added: "The positioning of the mobile home, directly in the middle of a field, high up on the side of the Severn Valley, is an affront to anyone and everyone who wishes to protect the rural environment."
Objectors Stella and David Voysey, of the Bridgnorth group of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, say it is a "prime and stunning green belt site" and that the plan would have a "detrimental impact on the local countryside."
They also do not consider that the alpacas require constant 24 hour attention, giving the plan "no justification."
The case for the plan
Chippenham-based planning agent Willis and Co (Town Planning) Ltd says the couple have developed a successful business over the past six years.
Their agricultural smallholding breeds and trains alpacas, as well as using them for educational purposes, with students from schools, colleges and community groups visiting the site for alpaca experiences including trekking, private picnics, wellbeing and therapy activities.
The couple also offer camping facilities and have 15 pitches.
The agent has told planners the proposal meets rural exception policies and should be allowed.
Business information has been provided to council planners to help them make a decision.