An alpaca owner has been left in tears after West Dorset councillors questioned the recommendations of a farming consultant – and its own officers.

The council’s planning committee have now asked for more information before they decide on a temporary, three-year, permission for the small alpaca business at on 6.5  hectares at Higher Kingston Russell north of the A35.

Planning officers had recommended approval for the business and a three-bed mobile home, together with a barn and field shelter. They told councillors that on the evidence from an agricultural consultant the business was viable and there was a security and welfare need to live on the site.

The site also has a riding area and seven horses, given permission in 2010, which the owners now also to use to offer riding lessons on three days each week.

Several councillors questioned the claims about the viability of the business and succeeded in delaying the decision while more information is gathered.

Owner Tina Hardiman left the committee and then burst into tears. She has already bought the alpacas and has been housing them with three breeders elsewhere in the country.

“It’s costing hundreds of pounds a week to feed and look after them and now we’re facing another delay,” she said, “It just doesn’t seem fair.”

Her planning adviser, Samuel Croft,  said he believed the case had been made and that the consultant’s report had convinced the council’s planning team that it should be approved.

Neighbours and the parish council had objected to the application – worried about extra traffic on a narrow lane; the water supply, which comes from a private borehole, and the effect of having a temporary home in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Some also questioned the viability of the business plan and the need for accommodation on the site.

Several councillors said they were concerned about whether there was a need for accommodation given the small size of the business.

Cllr Robin Legg succeeded in persuading the committee to ask for more information before deciding on the application: “I am feeling extremely uncomfortable about making this decision today and would appreciate more time to consider the facts,” he said.

It is expected to take at least a month before the application can be considered again.