PLANS to turn part of a field north of Crediton into a “dog sanctuary” for 30 dogs have been given the thumbs-up. 

Mid Devon District Council has granted small dog-rescue charity Paws2Freedom permission to erect three buildings on a parcel of farmland at Downhayne. 

The first will be an office, kitchen, loo and canine accommodation; the next a block with 12 individual kennels and secure open runs; and the other a “remote kennel” set apart with an outside enclosed compound. 

Artist's impression of main buildings
Artist's impression of main buildings (Co Create Architects)

The single-storey structures will have vertical timber cladding, shallow pitched corrugated-steel roofs and dark grey uPVC windows. There will be a gravel path between the two main buildings. 

Artist's impression of remote kennel
Artist's impression of remote kennel (Co Create Architects)

The site can be accessed from Downhayne Hill and has a gate and parking spaces for four vehicles. 

Paws2Freedom is made up of “a family of volunteers and supporters”, planning documents say, and is “dedicated to changing the desperate situations of dogs in the UK and abroad”.  

The charity operates a strict no-kill policy, instead working with dogs to improve their health and wellbeing and raising funds for curative or palliative treatment. 

The owner of Downhayne is reportedly a supporter of Paws2Freedom and has provided some land at his property for the future dog sanctuary. 

Mid Devon District Council said the sanctuary would "not adversely impact upon the character and appearance of the area” and is “considered to be an appropriate rural use”. 

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/.