Tea room and alpaca farm announces closure

Clive Stapleton says his business will close on 15 June

A tea room and alpaca farm in Worcestershire has announced it is to close.

Clive Stapleton, 70, who runs Alpaca Meadows between Upton upon Severn and Worcester alongside his wife Tricia, 53, said they had been left with “no choice”.

Mr Stapleton claimed Malvern Hills District Council’s planning department had listed requirements that would cost him upwards of £100,000.

Ian Macleod, director of planning and infrastructure at Malvern Hills District Council, said he would "welcome further discussions" with the business.

The demands reportedly include carrying out an ecological survey, building a 120m (130yd) road and installing an electric vehicle charging point.

Mr Stapleton said: “We have no chance of getting this work done, so we have no alternative but to close.”

“We are a small tea room and only take a few hundred pounds a week.”

As well as a cafe, Alpaca Meadows has a fishery and petting zoo which is home to alpacas, donkeys and goats.

Mr Stapleton said they “don’t want to fight with planners” and that they are “just disappointed to be in this situation”.

The business announced on Facebook that it would close on 15 June, saying: “It has been an absolute honour to serve and bake for you.”

Mr Macleod told the BBC: "We have been made aware that Alpaca Meadows and Cafe will cease commercial activities on 15 June 2024.

"We will be making contact with the business and we welcome further discussions with them and the Highways Department at Worcestershire County Council to explore the options available."