Published on:
08
September 2010
A new National Wildlife Centre is to be built by the SSPCA at Fishcross.
Councillors gave the proposal their unanimous backing at Thursday's meeting of the Planning Committee.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals intends to develop the centre within the area previously occupied by the equestrian centre to include a veterinary hospital, pools for birds and marine wildlife, several aviaries and mammal enclosures. The centre represents a multi-million pound investment in the area and will employ 12-14 full time staff and up to 8 seasonal workers.
The development will provide a purpose built wildlife rescue centre for the treatment and recuperation of wild mammals, birds and amphibians from across Scotland. It will incorporate a cleaning facility for birds which need oil removed from their feathers. The centre will replace the existing one at Middlebank in Fife which can no longer cope with the demands placed on it. The centre at Fishcross will be designed to cope with over 5000 casualties a year.
Committee Convener Councillor Alastair Campbell said: "I am delighted that Clackmannanshire is the new home for this national facility. This is the perfect site for a wildlife centre, providing a tranquil and beautiful environment in which the animals can recover. I look forward to the Council and the local community developing an excellent working relationship with this charity - their presence is likely to raise the profile of Clackmannanshire as a good place to live and work."