Animal welfare and rehab site moves step closer

The RSPCA's plans to build a regional animal welfare and rehabilitation campus have come a step closer.

The animal welfare charity is proposing to create what it describes as a "one-stop shop" from rescue to recovery for animals most in need on farmland close to Pennington Flash in Leigh, Wigan.

The charity said up to 150 jobs would be based at the Mossley Hall site if approved.

It has submitted a environmental impact assessment report, published on Wigan Council's planning portal, which has been commissioned ahead of a full planning application.

The document states that an "integrated animal welfare, veterinary, rehabilitation and education campus" is proposed on land at Mossley Hall on Slag Lane, Lowton, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Part of the site is just 50 metres (164 ft) away from the Pennington Flash nature reserve.

The 15 hectare site is made up of agricultural land, a disused railway embankment and woodland.

The document said the development would include clinical veterinary and behavioural facilities, rehabilitation, training and rehoming provision and administration buildings.

The report said: "The main building with veterinary services and staff offices, a ferret block and an electrical substation will be located in the central south of the site.

"The campus will include a small animals block, a hay barn, cattery blocks and a foul drainage treatment plant."

Up to 195 parking spaces will be created with access to the proposed campus from Byrom Lane.

An existing public right of way through the site will be diverted eastwards towards Pennington Flash.

The report said security fencing will be installed around the built development area with additional fenced areas created around external areas and paddocks for animal safety.

The report said the campus "would operate 24/7 and employ approximately 120 to 150 people, along with volunteers'".

If approved, the first stage would be demolition and clearance of all existing Mossley Hall farm buildings across the site.

Earlier this year, the charity said funding for the proposed campus has been made possible by a generous donation from a charitable trust "alongside investment from the RSPCA and support from wider fundraising".

A spokesperson for the charity said: "The facility would support a range of roles, including veterinary professionals, animal care staff and operational teams.

"We want our new site to become a place for the community, provide jobs, training and volunteering opportunities, as well as spaces for people to come together to learn and to take action for animals."

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