RSPCA submits plans for specialist animal centre in Lowton

The RSPCA has formally submitted plans for a major facility at Mossley Hall in Lowton, following a public consultation.

The centre would offer veterinary care, assessment, rehabilitation, behavioural support and rehoming services for animals rescued from cruelty and neglect.

Cassie Newman, executive director of animal welfare operations at the RSPCA, said: "This is a major milestone in our ambition to transform animal welfare provision across the North West and give thousands of rescued animals the specialist care they urgently need.

"Demand for our services is increasing, our existing centres are full and too many animals are having to wait for the specialist veterinary care, rehabilitation and behavioural support they need.

"The proposed centre would bring those services together in one purpose-built location, helping us improve outcomes for animals and give them the best possible chance of recovery and a good life."

The RSPCA is planning to open a new centre for the North West of England in Lowton (Image: RSPCA Solent)

The charity says it is experiencing a "capacity crisis" in the region, with existing centres full and no dedicated national RSPCA rehabilitation and rehoming centre for all major domestic pets in the North West.

As a result, many rescued animals are placed in emergency boarding facilities while they wait for space.

More than 5,000 animals - over a quarter of all dogs, cats and small pets rescued by the RSPCA last year - came from the area that would be served by the proposed centre.

The RSPCA is also seeing a rise in complex multi-animal household cases and animals with serious medical and behavioural needs requiring long-term care.

The new facility would not replace existing branch operations, but would add "much-needed" specialist services for animals rescued by the RSPCA.

Branches would continue their work rehoming animals and providing veterinary services within their communities.

The centre would not treat privately owned pets.

Low-cost veterinary care for eligible pet owners would continue through existing branch partners, including RSPCA Wigan, Leigh & District, Bolton, Bury and Oldham.

The Mossley Hall site was selected after assessing more than 30 potential locations across the region.

It was chosen for its space, accessibility and suitability for a purpose-built centre.

The design is low-rise and landscape-led, with buildings clustered to minimise their visual impact.

Existing trees and hedgerows would be retained where possible, and the project aims to deliver at least 10 per cent biodiversity net gain on site through native planting and new wildlife habitats.

In addition to animal welfare services, the centre would offer education, training, volunteering and opportunities for partnerships with local organisations and colleges.

The scheme is expected to support around 120 jobs, contributing to both animal welfare and the local economy.

The planning application follows a four-week public consultation held from May 21 to June 18, during which 272 feedback forms were received.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were supportive or very supportive of the plans.

Newman said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended one of our consultation events, reviewed the proposals or shared their feedback with us.

"We have listened carefully to the views expressed and will continue to engage with the local community as the application progresses."

Public feedback has led to several changes in the final plans, including moving the main building and veterinary clinic further back on the site, closer to the existing farm buildings.

The car park has also been relocated away from the site frontage to improve screening from Byrom Lane.

Concerns about traffic, access, the Green Belt, ecology and future operations have been addressed in the planning documents.

The application will now be considered by Wigan Council and is available to view on the council’s website under reference A/26/101487/MAJOR.