GAUNTLET Birds of Prey Centre is seeking to create a state-of-the-art breeding centre at its base in Knutsford.

The birds of prey, eagle and vulture park in Manchester Road houses more than 120 birds from 46 species.

It was established in 1996, is said to have the largest collection of birds of prey in the north west and gives visitors the chance to see a wide range of birds.

The centre is seeking planning approval to build a new bird breeding and development centre containing nine aviaries, where birds would be looked after during their first few months.

The breeding centre would be housed in a new 492 square-metre building alongside the birds of prey centre on farmland not in use.

In documents accompanying the planning application Stockport architects BTP said the centre was unable to breed birds due to space constraints.

“Currently existing stock are sent away to breed, and to be able to provide breeding on site would enhance the facility’s contribution to conservation and education,” said the firm.

“The new facility would allow Gauntlet to become more involved in endangered breeding programmes with other zoos in the UK as well as Europe.

“At the moment this is limited as Gauntlet have to send many of the birds away to breed.

“Gauntlet requires an additional building to provide a back-up site for breeding and for birds having medical treatments. A quiet location away from the busy centre is essential for successful bird breeding.

“It is the right of birds to be able to breed in captivity, and is regularly discussed at the Gauntlet ethic meetings as an improvement which it can make.”

The breeding centre would provide a full-time job during the summer months, said the firm, and the new building would not dominate or harm the openness of the Green Belt.

Planning permission for the centre is being sought from Cheshire East Council, and the deadline for comments is April 29.

Gauntlet is one of five bird of prey centres in the UK to be a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.