Decision expected on controversial ‘Parrot Experience’

A decision is set to be made on controversial proposals to open a ‘Parrot Experience’ in Blackpool town centre which have attracted an 16,811-name petition and 18 objection notices.

The project would see the creation of a large indoor space, with artificial ‘jungle’ foliage, where the parrots would freely fly around, and smaller areas where customers would be able to “interact with the birds individually”.

The planning application lodged with Blackpool Council, for change of use of ground floor premises as a ‘Parrot Experience’ in premises at 64-66 Talbot Road, is due to to be considered by the authority’s planning committee this Tuesday evening (October 13).

The proposals have been submitted on behalf of Mr Przemyslaw Antonowicz by Lee Fenton Planning Services, who submitted a Planning and Heritage Statement in support of the scheme.

It said: “The existing use seems to be that of an A3 restaurant but has more recently been used as an ice cream shop.

“The proposed use will be as a ‘parrot experience’, where visitors to the resort can book a session to interact with free-roaming parrots and other exotic birds.

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use of the existing ground floor commercial premises to form a unique ‘parrot experience’, which is considered a Sui Generis use.

“The building would be divided internally to form a modest reception area at the front of the building. This will provide space for visitors to enter with a comfortable amount of circulation space.

“Here, patrons would pay their fee and sign the necessary waivers before entering the main bird area.”

The statement says that key feature items, such as artificial trees, would help subdivide the large space to create smaller areas for visitors to interact with the birds individually.

However, in May this year, PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – sent a petition with 16,000 signatures to Blackpool, protesting over plans for a parrot experience attraction.

PETA’s Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen, said: “Thousands of compassionate people have spoken and Blackpool Council must heed their concerns for animals by rejecting this proposal.

“Animals are not objects for humans to gawp at.

“PETA is calling for this exploitative plan to be scrapped, sparing intelligent birds from a stressful and miserable life in captivity.”

Other objectors to the proposals include the Born Free Foundation, Animal Defenders International, Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary in Thirsk and even a resident living in Italy.

Despite this, the planning officer is recommending that councillors resolve to support and delegate to the Head of Development Management, subject to conditions and the submission of appropriate waste management proposals.

The recommendation summary states: “The proposals are considered to represent sustainable development in terms of land use, and impact on residential amenity is anticipated to be able to be sufficiently controlled via the imposition of conditions.

“Other regulatory regimes such as Animal Welfare (Licensing Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 are anticipated to adequately control the operation in terms of animal welfare.”