A WIMBORNE dog rescue charity’s bid to relocate to larger premises has been scuppered after planning permission was refused – despite spending £31,000 on the scheme.

Waggy Tails, based in Magna Road, bought land at Ashley Heath in the hope it could be developed to give the charity a larger home – and potentially accept more animals, such as goats, horses and hens.

However, Dorset Council has refused permission to change the use of the new site – at Lions Farm, Ashley Heath.

The refusal said a planned extension to a barn building and the creation of an enclosed yard would be “inappropriate development in the green belt, which is harmful to openness and would represent inappropriate encroachment into the countryside”.

It also said the site could potentially have an adverse effect on the neighbouring Lions Hill site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and the Ramsar and Dorset Heaths Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The decision has been met with dismay by the charity, which said it would put “considerable strain” on resources as it looks to sell the Ashley Heath site.

“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,” a spokesperson said.

“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.”

Waggy Tails rehomes dogs – but is full to capacity

They said the planning application was submitted in October last year following advice from a Dorset Council planning officer.

“It has taken over 12 months of jumping through various hoops, searches and surveys which in total have cost over £31,000, for the application to be refused,” they went on.

“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, while we find a purchaser.”

The charity said this year it had – to the end of September – taken around 600 requests to take in unwanted dogs, with 20 alone this month.

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

The application received a number of responses from residents, including some opposing the plan on the basis of anticipated rises in noise and traffic levels. However, many wrote in support of the plan.