Alpacas could be housed on land off Orford Road and Eric Avenue

A scheme will be discussed by councillors on Thursday to house up to 24 alpacas on land accessed off Eric Avenue and close to Orford Road.

There will also be a barn built for accommodation should the plans be approved.

But the development has raised objections from residents concerned about parking to access the narrow passage which leads to the field.

They also say having animals so close to homes would have a negative effect on them.

Some have concerns about the smells and possible issues with animal poo, especially during the summer months.

Ward councillors have objected and requested that councillors to discuss the scheme at the development management committee.

They said: "The existing access offers limited access from a very busy major road.

"No improvements or additional work is deemed necessary as only sporadic access would be needed for 24 livestock with all the associated care and welfare needs, food supplies and general access to the land and structures.

The spare land in Padgate

"This suggests more than sporadic use."

They also said the animals would have a negative impact on the residents on Orford Road – one they could not have envisaged when they moved there.

However the plans have been recommended for approval.

Planning officers say permission is not required to graze alpacas and added that the barn structure would be permissable.

Plans have previously been approved for a fishing lake on the land while a scheme to turn it into allotments in 2010 was withdrawn.

The meeting takes place on Thursday, April 6 at 6pm.