An animal rescue centre in Laughton-en-le-Morthen has been granted planning permission to continue its work after Rotherham Council's planning board backed a retrospective application.
South Yorkshire Terrapin and Tortoise Rescue has cared for wallabies, tortoises, birds of prey, meerkats, pigs, goats and ferrets. The centre has provided temporary care for animals on behalf of organisations including the RSPCA.
Planning concerns raised
Six objections were lodged against the application, with concerns raised about noise, smells, traffic and animal welfare.
Kevin Downing, chairman of Laughton-en-le-Morthen Parish Council, said the parish supported animal rescue work but questioned whether the village was the right location. He highlighted previous escapes by wallabies which were later found in nearby Brookhouse, telling councillors: "This made containment a real issue rather than hypothetical."
Extra fencing was subsequently installed following RSPCA advice.
Welfare standards met
An animal welfare officer who visited the site with a senior veterinary surgeon found the animals were well cared for and had plenty of water.
Planning officers said they accepted the rescue centre was technically inappropriate development in the green belt, but said its animal welfare benefits amounted to the "very special circumstances" needed to allow it.
Councillors granted permission subject to conditions. Among the animals currently cared for at the centre are four birds of prey rescued by the RSPCA following a house fire and a kestrel found locally with a damaged wing.
