Alpaca farm 'under threat' from new logistics hub

White Hill Farm Alpaca Sanctuary creates experiences for SEND children

An alpaca farm has said its future is "under threat" after plans for an industrial hub, which would back onto the site, were revealed.

White Hill Farm Alpaca Sanctuary, located near Copt Oak, Markfield, said noise and light pollution from the new centre would threaten the alpacas' welfare.

The service provides a space for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to improve their wellbeing, build confidence and reduce anxiety.

David Baker-Brook, associate director at developer Caddick, said the project will "deliver significant benefits for the local area".

Six warehouses will be built next to junction 22 of the M1

Lucy Welland, runs the alpaca farm as part of her business, Discover Outdoors, a forest school for SEND pupils.

She bought the sanctuary alongside her "dream house", but only found out about the development the day after she moved in.

Mrs Welland said she has met with developers, who were "very open" with her and she now "cannot see a future" where the project does not go ahead.

"We wouldn't have bought the house if we had known," she said.

"We bought the house with the vision of living a rural life, with the farm next door.

"But this will destroy the tranquillity of this area - it's absolutely devastating."

Ms Welland said her business uses the adjacent alpaca sanctuary to support children who are unable to use the school system due to their complex needs.

"We are really worried about how it will affect the welfare of the alpacas," she said.

"The noise and light pollution will ruin the tranquillity of this area.

"We've seen first-hand how the animals and the quiet countryside setting help children who struggle in traditional environments.

"If this goes ahead, we risk losing a place that genuinely changes lives."

If approved, the centre near junction 22 of the M1, off Whitwick Road, will operate for 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include six large warehouses, containing over 697,440 sq ft (64,794 sq m) of space.

Plans submitted to Bosworth and Hinckley District Council show an 8.5m (28ft) tall warehouse will be built within metres of the bottom of her garden.

Mrs Welland's home currently has a countryside view from its garden

Mark Crumbie, who lives near the proposed site, said he was most concerned about the number of lorries which will be use local roads to access the hub.

"Markfield is going to be inundated with traffic - it's just going to seize everything up," he said.

"It's just a nightmare.

"The area is going to suffer so badly."

Papers show that during the morning peak hour, 531 vehicles will either arrive or leave the site, including cars and HGVs.

During the afternoon peak hour, 348 vehicles will either enter or exit the hub.

Consultee, National Highways, has asked for further assessment and evidence from Caddick, before they can decide if they wish to back the plans.

The proposed view from the back of Mrs Welland's cottage once the development is finished (top) and after 15 years (bottom)

Mr Baker-Brook said the development will bring "significant benefits" to the local area, including about 1,000 jobs.

The development company also said the project will add more than £37m to the local economy a year, and contribute more than £2.5m annually in business rates.

"The site responds directly to an identified need for additional employment land in the area, helping to ensure that the Hinckley and Bosworth District can continue to attract investment and create local jobs," he said.

"We take our community responsibilities seriously, and as part of preparing our plans, we have undertaken a range of engagement activities with our nearest neighbours, the wider community, and elected members.

"To date, we have received very limited local responses or objections to our plans, but we are grateful to those who have been in touch and provided feedback."