A POPULAR visitor centre is expanding.
The Ponderosa rare breeds farm in Heckmondwike wants more parking and a new walkway.
The farm in Smithies Lane, Norristhorpe has applied to planners at Kirklees Council to expand within the existing embankment near where is situated.
They are not expected to look at the scheme before the middle of this month.
The Ponderosa farm attracts about 200,000 visitors a year to see its rare animals, greenhouses and lakes.
Attractions include Highland cattle, sheep and reptiles, as well as porcupines, llamas and birds of prey.
In March this year its managing director Howard Cook, who was awarded the MBE for his work in the community in last year's Queen's Birthday Honours, revealed plans to develop a business park in the grounds of the centre.
Ponderosa Park will provide more than 400,000sqft of office space aimed at local and regional companies.
The scheme will provide 30 office units, as well as shared meeting rooms and a large courtyard.
The first phase will be available for occupation in late spring.
It is hoped that the business park will help double the number of visitors to about 400,000 a year.
