Animal shelter loses appeal over relocation plans

Waggy Tails said it had outgrown its premises at Canford Magna

A dog shelter has lost a planning appeal to relocate its animal rescue centre to a nearby farm.

Waggy Tails in Canford Magna, Dorset, was forced to abandon its move to Little Lions Farm in Ashley Heath after its change-of-use application was refused in 2024.

A subsequent appeal has now also been dismissed, with the Planning Inspector citing the effect on neighbouring heathland and its location within the green belt.

In a statement, the trustees said: "This refusal means denial of safe sanctuary, and possible death, for the many animals who could have had a comfortable future at Waggy Tails."

The charity said it had outgrown its existing premises, which stood alone when it opened 17 years ago but was now surrounded by buildings, traffic and noise.

The cottage at Little Lions Farm is being rented as a holiday let to generate income

It acquired Little Lions Farm, seven miles away, in 2022 which consists of a thatched cottage, farm buildings and 17 acres of fields.

In the decision notice, the Planning Inspector said the change of use "would result in an increase in activity" in the neighbouring Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which was home to rare birds and reptiles, but it acknowledged the charity's management plan stated "dogs would not normally be walked off the premises".

The charity's trustees said, with 17 acres of its own land, it had no plans to walk the dogs in the SSSI, adding: "Every day, members of the public walk their dogs on the heath and, despite requests to keep dogs on the lead, they are allowed to run free."

To generate income while it sought to resolve its planning issues, Waggy Tails has been renting the cottage at Little Lions Farm as a holiday let.