Cornish hedgehog rescue centre secures new home
Prickles and Paws says moving to a new site will enable it to expand and care for more creatures
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
A hedgehog rescue centre in Cornwall will be able to move sites and expand, following what seems to be a U-turn by Cornwall Council.
Officials had rejected Cubert-based Prickles and Paws' application to switch to new premises on the Carnanton Estate.
However that decision has now been reassessed and the planning bid approved - a move the charity says means it will be able to care for more hedgehogs in the coming years.
The initial application was refused on the grounds that the site was designated as "ancient woodland".
Prickles and Paws said the reassessment reconsidered evidence demonstrating that the site was cleared by the council in 2008 due to its close proximity to the airport, and that the land has since been replanted with two tree species that are coppiced and not allowed to mature.
The reports it commissioned found the site is no longer representative of ancient woodland and would not be allowed to become an ancient woodland again while the airport remains.
Posting on their website, Co-Founder and Animal Care & Operations Manager Katy South said: "Having operated out of what is essentially a residential home for the past 10 years, we cannot understate our delight at this decision by the council.
"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to them for reassessing the evidence in our planning bid; their decision will have a huge impact on the number of hedgehogs we are able to care for in the coming years.
"We are also incredibly grateful for all of the support from the local community, without whose comments the planning bid would have not been so compelling.
"A special thanks go to Daren and A-Tec Design who have donated their professional Architectural services!
"Now the work begins to create our new premises!"