Animal charity relocation plan rejected by council

A council has rejected plans to move a family-run animal charity to a new site.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), more than 900 people supported the application to relocate Holbrook Animal Rescue in Holbrook Lane, Horsham, to Jackrells Lane, in Southwater.

Supporters said the move would "prevent the closure of a long-standing charity that benefits both animals and people".

At a Horsham District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors rejected the plan after officers said it would be "detrimental to the rural landscape character of the area" and cause noise and disturbance to neighbours.

The LDRS reported more than 170 people objected to the plans, with concerns including danger to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and residents and increased traffic along the area's narrow lanes.

Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Jeffery, representing Southwater South and Shipley, said the rescue centre had done "fantastic work" for the community but "emotive arguments shouldn't override material planning considerations".

Had the plans been approved, the development would have included a house for the owner and staff, a stable building, a two-bay garage, an animal rescue building, and an education block.

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