A popular petting farm in Hampshire wants to expand its facilities for visitors as it looks to help more children.

Plans for two new temporary accommodation buildings and a track for wheelchair access at Miniland Farm in Holly Water Road, near Liphook, were submitted to East Hampshire District Council in November 2024. 

Applicant Deborah Mockridge wants the space to handle animals and have a music therapy pod – particularly for children with special educational needs (SEN).

The application said the larger building means animals can be handled with mindfulness in a comfortable environment – especially during periods of bad weather, where visitors can still feel a part of the farm. 

A planning statement said due to its popularity, the small-scale petting farm has developed into an educational facility for students who are unable to access mainstream education. 

The new buildings will allow Miniland Farm to extend its animal-assisted therapy activities. It supports positive mental health in the local community by providing small vulnerable groups – like the elderly and other SEN children and adults in the local area – with the opportunity to spend some time on the farm. 

The statement said the “nurturing environment” can help develop confidence, communication skills, life skills and respite for the elderly and other groups from the local community.

Miniland Farm staff have said they found music therapy improves concentration levels and confidence, reducing anxiety for students that respond to music-based therapy. While wishing to offer more music-based sessions, the new space will be used for arts and crafts and as an area for community events.  

The existing petting farm opened in 2018 and now operates as a community interest company – not for profit since June last year.

The applicant seeks to create an even, inclusive and permeable surface track to the bottom field to enable wheelchair users “an opportunity to experience all the site has to offer”.

There is current space for 10 cars at the site and that will not change. The application, with the reference 22247/015, has yet to be decided.