A POPULAR tourist attraction forced to close last year because of the recession is set to be turned into housing.

Woodhouse Farm Park in Friday Bridge was open for five years drawing in more than 120,000 visitors before owner Sam Flint said the “economic climate” and “astronomical costs” meant it had to close.

Now, Mr Flint, a member of Wisbech Tourism Group, has submitted a planning application to have the farm park turned into seven houses.

An report accompanying the application to Fenland District Council said the attraction had been operating since 2006 with an annual grant from DEFRA.

“This grant has now come to an end. Regrettably the owners have recognised that in absence of the annual grant the farm park was simply not viable and would, in fact, lose money if an attempt is made to continue operating,” the report said.

It is planned six of the houses will be conversions from existing buildings and one will be a new build where the “play” building currently stands.

The report concluded the design of the proposals are of a high standard and the conversions would not harm the character of the area.

Five generations of the Flint family have lived at the farm but it is unclear whether they will go on living in the new houses.

In 2010, thieves targeted the farm stealing �1,000 worth of property including two turkey sheds.