Thousands of people have signed an online petition against a planned rabbit breeding farm in Rutland.

The opposition is against a proposal for such a venture at Lyndon Top Farm, Manton.

Applicant Phil Kerry seeks to build a temporary farm workers dwelling and an agricultural building "to enable the establishment of a free-range rabbit breeding and rearing enterprise."

If approved, the 525m2 building and two-bed home would be built on a 0.75ha site currently used as farmland and is part of an existing vineyard south of Rutland Water.

The application said: "The proposal is for the redevelopment of part of an existing vineyard/ orchard into a new free range rabbit farm with runs and hutches to accommodate up to '250 does' along with security fencing, a temporary rural worker's dwelling and a larger agricultural building."

It continued: "A Rabbit breeding enterprise has also been established upon the site and has been operating for approximately 5 months."

The application said a planning inspector had ruled a home for a farm worker was needed but it has to be sited elsewhere than earlier planned so as not to harm the character of the area.

It also said: "The enterprise as it is proposed cannot operate properly without a key worker being available at short notice and at most times. This can only be achieved if there is a dwelling available on the site. "

Nearby properties were also too expensive to rent or buy.

The application concluded: "it is essential that someone is readily available at most times to manage

the rabbit enterprise, specifically to:

o manage the birthing process and ensure doe and kits are retained

within the nest area;

o ensure kits obtain adequate colostrum and milk;

o ensure the health and well-being of the stock generally;

o provide a security deterrent against wild animal and human

intruders;

o manage predators;

o provide a point of contact for customers"

However, the proposal has met massive opposition, with 5,000 people signing an online petition from Rabbit Farm Resitance UK.

They said: "We the undersigned believe rabbit farming has no place in the 21st century and that this "farm" should simply not be allowed to come into fruition.

"The plan is to exploit 250 female rabbits to produce upwards of 10,000 rabbits per year for the meat and fur industry. We object to this for a great number of reasons....but at the core we do not believe these sentient animals should be subjected to this cruel life and untimely death."

In addition, Hambleton Parish Council say the development unsuited to its location and would harm the appearance and character of the area.

Manton Parish Council also objects due to the buildings's impacts on the countryside and also potential smells and odours from the slaughter of rabbits.

The Rutland Council website also lists opposition from places as far away as the USA, The Netherlands, Wales and Scotland.

More locally, Mr Robert Bromilow of Hambleton said: "The large agricultural building will undoubtedly be visible from the Hambleton Peninsula.

"While it will become less visible over time in the Summer as the landscaping grows, until then and in the Winter, it will be very apparent.

"There would appear to be no logical reason why this activity, which requires a large shed, should have to be in such a sensitive location, when it could be virtually anywhere in the country."

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust also warned of the impact the development could have on the 'ambience' of the area, noting the sites closeness to Rutland water and the trusts visitor centre.

The application has yet to be determined by Rutland County Council.