'Parrot experience' plan for former ice cream shop

Plans to build a "parrot experience" have been submitted in a seaside resort, where visitors would be offered the chance to interact with free-roaming parrots and other exotic birds.

Developers want to create an artificial jungle at a former ice-cream shop in Blackpool.

A planning application has been lodged with Blackpool Council for the change of use of the ground floor premises at 64-66 Talbot Road.

The applicant, Przemyslaw Antonowicz, said he was seeking to address potential noise issues by involving less vocal species such as macaws.

Acoustic plasterboard would also be used, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The planning and heritage statement said the building would be divided internally to form a reception area and a main bird area separated by a rope netting wall.

"Within the bird area, the parrots will be flying free, with branches, artificial foliage and other purpose-built jungle themed items around the edges of the room," it said.

"Key feature items (such as artificial trees) will help subdivide the large space to create smaller areas for visitors to interact with the birds individually."

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