THE future of an animal rescue centre could be under threat if a housing development is given the go ahead near to its base.

Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (SARA) is calling on supporters to object to the scheme which could be built on land adjoining Foxrush Farm, off Kirkleatham Road in Redcar.

A planning application has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for 550 homes on land North of Kirkleatham Business Park and West of Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar.

The scheme, which has been planned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) through co-operation with the local authority, includes starter homes, which is the Government’s initiative to help young first-time buyers purchase a home.

However, the charity believes that any complaints from potential home owners on the proposed site could lead to problems from them in the future.

A spokesman for the charity said: "From the very beginning of this process SARA has not been consulted and in the planning proposal no mention was made of SARA. We only discovered what was happening when a notice was pinned on our gate.

"After taking advice we have found that the noise assessment in the report highlighted areas of concern and that crucially SARA could potentially be closed down if complaints were made by the residents of the proposed housing.

"We know that Highways England has highlighted inadequacies with the traffic application and will not approve it on the current information. Redcar and Cleveland Natural Heritage manager is concerned for the impact on the community woodland. Natural England objects to the proposal because of the adverse impact on wildlife particularly birds.

"SARA has been at Foxrush Farm for nine years and has provided a haven for stray, unwanted and abandoned animals. We have developed the facilities to offer the best care for our animals. Our future is in jeopardy and we need support."

The charity is urging people to write to the council and oppose the scheme by writing to David Pedlow, Planning Officer, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Development Manager, Redcar & Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar TS10 1RT. Alternatively by email by going to planning.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk and search for Application Ref R/2016/0663/OOM