A DORSET dog rescue centre says it will be forced to sell one of its sites after a planning application was rejected by the council.

Two years ago, Waggy Tails which is based in Wimborne, purchased 17 acres at Little Lions farm in Ashley Heath to accommodate more of its animals.

A planning application was later submitted to change of use of land and buildings to an animal rescue centre with ancillary offices and storage, the demolition of a hay store, the provision of two single-storey extensions to existing buildings, retention of a mobile home for animal welfare, parking and associated works.

Read more: 'Waggy Tails Rescue in dispute with council over land'

As reported, this was refused last week by Dorset Council for multiple reasons.  

Councillors decided the use of the site by Waggy Tails could be a potential hazard to neighbouring heathland and may also generate unacceptable noise for neighbours.

A spokesperson for Waggy Tails said: “In August 2022 we purchased a property at Ashley Heath with the hope of moving our small Sanctuary on Magna Road, Wimborne, into a bigger permanent home.

“The land would have given us sufficient space to exercise our dogs and possibly take in other animals such as horses, donkeys, goats and hens.

“After an initial pre application in March 2023, a revised planning application was submitted to Dorset Council in October 2023 which included all the advice given to us by the planning officer.

“It has taken over twelve months of jumping through various hoops, searches and surveys which in total have cost over £31,000, for the application to be refused today. We are not in a position to justifiably spend any more of the charity’s money on an appeal.

“As a result, we are left juggling two properties with our only option left to be the sale of the Ashley Heath site.

“In the current market this will put considerable strain on the charity’s resources, whilst we find a purchaser.

“This year to the end of September, we have taken about 600 requests to take in unwanted dogs and since the beginning of October have had a further 20 requests.

“Like most rescues nationwide we are full, and the requests are coming from further afield as a consequence. The need is there but we are at a loss now, as to how to help.”

A fundraising volunteer for Waggy Tails has set up a JustGiving page to fundraise and support the rescue centre. 

Donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-chapman-1728726123558?utm_medium=fundraising&fbclid=IwY2xjawF9qB9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXoa536QQHGgZ5GTV1ZLhHVKrpEi9tjZLS-pBMmbDmfaBzjZLd7RkXfSyQ_aem_cReNpYjP9Zb1RgOKnKnTkQ