15-05-2025
New canine rescue centre is coming to Ayr after proposals are approved by council planners
Proposals have been approved for an extension and alterations to the base in Mainholm Road.
The former Scottish SPCA base in Ayr will be turned into a new canine rescue centre, by a Dumfries-based charity group.
Ayrshire Live can reveal how proposals have been approved for an extension and alterations to the base in Mainholm Road.
Also included are plans for a new canine rescue centre, the formation of additional kennels and alterations to staff accommodation.
Ayrshire Live told in August 2023 how the Scottish SPCA base was earmarked for closure as the charity sought to 'adapt' their service provision.
That paved the way for Dumfries-based charity, Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre, to lodge proposals to take on the site and use the base to help rescue the region's unfortunate canines.
The plans have now been approved under delegated powers.
Agents in the proposals were Wham Architecture, who said: 'The premises were previously operated as the Scottish SPCA Ayr Rescue Centre which closed in October 2023.
'Our client intends to operate the premises as a canine rescue centre to complement their existing premises at Glencaple, near Dumfries. In addition to the animal shelter, the site also comprises a manager's dwellinghouse, garage/storage building and various smaller outbuildings.'
The proposals include 'extensions and alterations' to the animal shelter to 'increase the size' of the nine existing kennels and to convert the small animal room into three additional kennels with 'associated external enclosures.'
The extensions will be formed with facing brick to match the existing building and finished with a shallow-pitch roof to 'minimise the overall massing.' The external enclosures will be covered with a twin-walled polycarbonate to provide 'additional shelter.'
The supporting statement adds: 'The proposals also include the subdivision of the dwellinghouse to form a rest area for the night shift duty manager. This comprises minor alterations to form a new bedroom, shower room and kitchen/living/dining space.'
In approving the plans, subject to conditions, council papers said: 'The alterations and extension to the existing buildings are considered to represent modest changes to the existing rural business premises which has recently been acquired by a new owner, Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre.
'The proposals are sited within the greenbelt and scenic area, however, the proposals to the existing premises, which bring the vacant property back into use, are modest changes to the existing premises which are not considered to compromise the integrity of the greenbelt and will have a neutral impact on the character and visual amenity of the scenic area at this locality.
'Given the above and having balanced the rights of the applicant against the general interest, it is recommended that the application is approved.'
