The RSPCA plan to build a massive animal welfare and rehabilitation campus on farmland close to Pennington Flash in Leigh.
The animal welfare charity said that if the plans proceed, up to 150 jobs would be based at the Mossley Hall site, which would be a ‘one-stop shop’ for animals most in need.
Bringing key services together on one site
The RSPCA said they wanted to bring key services together on one site, supporting animals – particularly those with the most complex medical and behavioural needs – from rescue to recovery.
A consultation document on the proposals said ‘bringing these services together would help improve how care is provided, reduce delays and relieve pressure on existing facilities’.
The plans state animals arriving at the centre may need immediate medical treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing behavioural support before rehoming.
The site would gather specialist vet, behaviourist and rehabilitation teams together.
A RSPCA spokesperson said;
“In addition to supporting animal welfare, the proposed facility is expected to bring wider benefits to the area, including:
- employment for around 120 to 150 people, alongside opportunities for volunteers
- opportunities for training, skills development and education
- potential partnerships with local organisations and colleges.
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.”
Funds were raised from a trust and through investment and donations
The charity said funding for the proposed centre has been made possible by a generous donation from a charitable trust, ‘alongside investment from the RSPCA and support from a wider fundraising campaign’.
The site is a large area of agricultural land and includes existing farm buildings.
The charity said the proposals are being developed as a low-rise, landscape-led campus, with buildings arranged in smaller groups across the existing footprint.
A consultation document said:
“This approach is intended to reduce the visual impact of development, maintain openness across the site, allow buildings to sit more naturally within the landscape position buildings to minimise any impact on ecology or the environment.
The approach we’re proposing would also help to create quieter, more contained spaces for animals.”
Public consultation launched
Ahead of a planning application the RSPCA has launched a public consultation.
A transport assessment on the plans commissioned by the charity concluded that the facility is expected to generate around 200 vehicle movements per day, with up to around 38 movements in the busiest hour.
It said staff would arrive and leave at staggered times and activity spread throughout the day.
A public right of way currently runs through the site.
The charity said that to give rescued animals the space and peace they need to give them the best chance of recovery, it’s proposed that this route be diverted to a new alignment closer to Pennington Flash.
Consultation events have been organised for the public to have their say on the plans.
They will be at Pennington Wharf Community Hub on Thursday, May 28 from 3pm-7pm and Tuesday, June 9 from 1.30pm-6.30pm.
Another public event will be held at Pennington Flash on Saturday, June 13 from 10am-2pm next to the Hide Coffee House & Cafe, Saint Helens Road, Leigh.
An article by Local Democracy Reporter Chris Gee.
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