AN alpaca-walking venue near Malvern is planning for the future.
The Meadows at Hanley Castle currently allows people to come and meet and walk with alpacas on its grounds.
In addition, there is a tearoom on-site.
Now, under new plans, the business plans to expand and "formalise" with the extension of some of its on-site buildings and building new vehicular access and car parking.
In addition, the lakes and river frontage on-site would be used for leisure fishing.
Meadow Cottage was built in the 1990s and has since incorporated 22.5 acres of surrounding land allowing them to keep livestock including their alpacas.
The pandemic in 2020 saw the owner, Mrs Stapleton, begin selling homemade cakes via a box at the end of their driveway.
During this time, a small orangery-style seating area with toilets was built, with the cake business morphing with the alpaca experiences.
The design and access statement associated with the plans said: "As interest took hold with the catering and cakes and alpaca walks, this extension morphed into being a tea room.
"In our clients’ minds, a natural extension to the activities they were beginning to enjoy, and potentially offering an opportunity for self-employment, providing an income for themselves and others.
"The keeping of alpacas has become increasingly popular for both wool and for companionship.
"They are not, however, commonplace and retain a certain curiosity value as a potential attraction.
"Our clients wished to share their love for Alpacas with others and, with the idea that visitors may also like tea and cake, Alpaca walks commenced on the top field in May 2021."
The alpacas are settled and at home on-site and draw in customers who want to experience walking round the grounds with an alpaca, learning about the species and spending time in the countryside.
The plans continue: "The Alpaca visits are charged for, and visitors are encouraged to follow their experiential visits with some light refreshments.
"Although it is far from clear, so far, based on limited trading to date, our clients sense that they have the beginnings of a worthwhile and valuable business enterprise and wish to pursue their Walking with Alpacas and tea rooms initiative."
The plans can be seen in full via plan.malvernhills.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/01709/FUL
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