Blackpool parrot jungle plan knocked back

Plans to turn a former ice cream parlour in a seaside resort into a jungle-themed attraction containing free-flying parrots have been rejected.

The Talbot Road scheme was described as "detrimental" to tourism and a "step back in time" by Blackpool planners.

Animal rights organisation Peta had raised more than 16,000 signatures against the proposals put forward by businessman Przemyslaw Antonowicz - who did not attend the hearing.

Councillor Pam Brookes said: "It seems to me that this smacks of a step-back in time to the 1900s when we had tigers and elephants in circuses and a monkey in a blue suit."

The plan would have seen a large indoor space filled with artificial foliage, which the parrots could fly around freely.

There was also a plan for a smaller room for people to "interact with the birds individually".

Elisa Allen, from Peta, described the plan as "exploitative", adding it would have meant a "stressful and miserable life in captivity" for the birds.

But planning officers said that, in planning terms, the bid represented "sustainable development in terms of land use".

They also said they believed any impact on nearby properties could be managed, and said there were "adequate" animal welfare laws to keep the birds safe.

The committee unanimously rejected the plan.

Councillor Julie Sloman said: "There is no natural sunlight in there, we don't know how much noise there will – it is the wrong place at the wrong time."

After the vote, a Blackpool Council spokesman said: "It is felt that the scheme would have a detrimental impact on the reputation and perceptions of our town as a visitor resort.

"Concerns were raised around the quality of the proposal, animal welfare, and the town centre location.

"While Blackpool Council is working hard to attract investment to the town centre – including investing £2bn across the whole town – the detrimental effects of this proposal outweigh any potential positive impact."

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