RATS and mice could soon be bred at a farm in Martham if the borough council approves plans to change the use of the building. The application for Clarkes Farm, on Staithe Road, involves rodents being bred at the site for supply to the pet industry as food for reptiles.

RATS and mice could soon be bred at a farm in Martham if the borough council approves plans to change the use of the building.

The application for Clarkes Farm, on Staithe Road, involves rodents being bred at the site for supply to the pet industry as food for reptiles.

Under the plans, the rodents would be killed and frozen on site and sold onto local pet shops. The scheme does not seek to change the structure of the building and the site will be strictly off limits to members of the public.

Referring to a summary report submitted to the borough council's planning department, officer Tim Major said the rats and mice would be kept in cages which are escape proof and also allow maximum ventilation.

Animals would be attended to on a daily basis and fed a dry food diet which contains minerals and nutrients needed and they would always have access to fresh water. A professional company will be contracted to deal with waste from the site.

Plans are currently out to consultation which ends next month when planning officers will decide whether the application needs to go before the council's development control committee.