Ferring animal rescue centre’s expansion approved

The application, from the Wadars charity, in Hangleton Lane, was given the nod at a meeting of the development control committee on Wednesday (September 2).

Wadars has been rescuing and re-homing animals since 1969, helping more than 1,700 injured, orphaned and at risk birds and wildlife last year, as well as finding homes for 400 cats, dogs and other animals.

The expansion will include: an education and training building; a cattery; main reception; kennels for the intake, isolation and re-homing of 20 dogs; a wildlife building and five 10mx5m dog runs.

It will also see a barn converted into staff accommodation.

While there was a lot of support for the plans, with the council receiving 88 letters welcoming the improvements, there were also a number of concerns.

A 52-name petition and 27 letters of objection highlighted potential problems with noise and smell from the animals as well as the impact the kennels would have on the safety of horses and riders at a neighbouring equestrian centre.

Julie Toben, director of development at Wadars, told the meeting: “We are not trying to develop a Battersea or Dogs Trust scale centre here, where there are usually over 200 dogs at any one time.

“This is a small local rescue and rehabilitation centre supporting your community.”

Ms Toben said the charity relied on the help of 150 volunteers and had created 10 new jobs since it moved to Hangleton Lane, with more to come once the centre was expanded.

The application was approved unanimously.

At the same meeting, members also approved plans for four new homes on land next to Tars Farm House, in Church Lane, Barnham; and for one new home in The Ridings, East Preston.

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