A MAJOR revamp of an Evesham dog rehoming centre has been given the green light despite councillors stating the cash would be better spent on the animals themselves.
Proposals to develop the Dog’s Trust in Wickhamford was a resubmission to Wychavon District Council of previously approved plans, but included some amendments.
Last Thursday (October 9) the planning committee approved the proposals, which will see the size of the vets building reduced, solar panels installed to the east of the site and a new workshop added.
A new sign will also be installed at the front of the Pitchers Hill site but despite the changes Coun Barrie Parmenter said the money should have been spent on the animals themselves.
“Here we go again, this is the same one I wasn’t happy about last time when we took the cats out of the dogs home and moved them to a house which has now become I don’t know what,” he said.
“The amount of building going on there it is a pity they get so much money because I think the money should go to the dogs and not to the buildings.
“We seem to spend money in the wrong direction. It’s going to go through, I can see it is going to go through but I think it’s a great shame.”
The existing reception building at the cats protection centre will also be demolished and rebuilt as part of the latest proposals.
A number of councillors were in favour of the refurbishment, with Coun Margaret Rowley calling it ‘pleasant’ and adding the dogs would be happy with there.
Coun David Brotheridge echoed her calls.
“I drive past it quite regularly and the new buildings look a lot better than the ones currently there so that is a massive improvement,” he said.
A total of 13 committee members voted in favour of the development, with one abstention.
