Animal sanctuary loses retrospective planning bid

At last count the sanctuary was home to more than 100 animals

A charity-run animal sanctuary has been refused retrospective planning permission for buildings that were constructed eight years ago.

The Birkett-Smith Animal Sanctuary put up the six units at its Templemans Ash site in Bridport, Dorset, in 2016.

It is home to almost 100 dogs, as well horses, donkeys, chickens and geese.

But Dorset Council said the buildings caused "significant harm" to the appearance of the land, which is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The charity asked for retrospective permission to build six buildings and create improved access to the site

The local authority called the site "visually intrusive".

The centre had also received numerous complaints from residents about howling and barking since it was formed, the council said.

The charity was set up to care for and rehabilitate dogs with severe behavioural issues and disabilities, and it has argued that the buildings it constructed improved conditions and the animals' welfare.

The sanctuary has not confirmed if it intends to appeal the decision.

If no appeal is lodged then the council could issue an enforcement notice, which would require the centre to remove any structures for which it does not have permission.