The RSPCA has submitted plans for a new regional animal rehabilitation centre on green belt land next to Pennington Flash. The proposed centre would be built on current agricultural land at Mossley Hall, Byrom Lane, Lowton.
Facilities and Services Planned
Documents supporting the plans say the RSPCA wishes to create a complex with several buildings, including a veterinary and administrative block, a cattery, a small animals building, a kennel block, a ferret block, and various storage and operational buildings. The centre would provide clinical, behavioural and rehabilitation services, as well as community engagement, education and training opportunities.
The proposal includes 195 parking spaces, landscaping, improved vehicle access and drainage, and the partial diversion of an existing public right of way. The site is currently green belt land and has an area of archaeological interest where a former historic moat once stood. The existing buildings at Mossley Hall would be demolished.
Jobs and Community Impact
The RSPCA said up to 150 jobs and numerous volunteering and training opportunities would be based at the site if it proceeds. A design and access report stated: “The proposed buildings all follow similar design details, materials and form and are intended to reflect the surrounding agricultural buildings but also take into consideration the green belt designation of the site.”
The report added: “The RSPCA have shown that there is a need for a northern animal rehabilitation and welfare centre and this site provides an optimum location with its proximity to key population centres and close to a high-demand catchment area. The site offers good connectively to regional road networks and is a rural but still accessible location. The existing surrounding agricultural land, grassland and woodland provide an appropriate location.”
Mixed Reactions from Public and Councillors
Since the plans were published on Wigan council’s planning portal, several comments have been published, some opposing and some in support. Councillor Paul Watson said the plans “would impact protected green belt land without sufficient justification for its loss”. He added: “Pennington Flash is a valuable natural habitat. Development of this scale risks disturbing wildlife, damaging habitats and causing lasting environmental harm. I believe the scale and nature of this proposal make it unsuitable for this sensitive location.”
Another consultation comment said: “I think this will be a good facility for this area and good use of green belt. So many sad tales of abandoned animals. Also it will provide local jobs and better than building more houses with no access and facilities. I really hope this goes ahead without delay. The disruption will be minimal and short lived compared with a massive housing development or warehouses for example.”
Wigan council will determine the application in the coming weeks.
