A PETTING zoo at one of Tendring’s iconic Martello Towers is a step closer to opening, with the news the project now has planning permission.

Tendring Council officials have given permission for two alpacas, two pigmy goats and two rabbits to be kept at Martello Tower F, behind Clacton Hospital.

The decision means leaseholders Roger Ling and Rosalie Robinson and business partner Paul Nash, who owns the aquarium on Clacton Pier, can start work on the attraction and accompanying tea room and museum in the tower itself.

Mrs Robinson said: “We are delighted. It’s absolutely brilliant news.

“We are thrilled to bits. It will be full steam ahead now, and we hope to be ready to open in the spring of next year.”

Paul Nash, who will run the petting zoo, added: ”It’s fantastic news, and has made me happy.

“We will have a big opening, hopefully with a celebrity, and it should be a big day. All we have to do now is get it set up.”

The petting zoo will be in the moat which surrounds the tower and will be open all year round.

Inside, a tea room will occupy the ground floor, while upstairs, a small museum detailing the history of the tower and displaying artefacts will complete the attraction.

It is hoped the new site will be a new attraction to draw tourists to Clacton, as well as being a centre schools can visit to do projects on the historic building and the animals they keep.

Anyone with items which could be put on show at the museum can call Mr Ling on 01255 432932.