Plans Submitted For New Dog Rescue Centre In Coleraine

A new dog rescue centre could soon be built on the outskirts of Coleraine, under plans submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Causeway Coast Dog Rescue Ltd has lodged an application to create a purpose-built facility on lands adjacent to 85 Carthall Road. The proposal includes kennels, training areas, grooming and veterinary services, and staff and visitor facilities.

The site, described as semi-rural, was chosen for its tranquil surroundings and easy access to the town and wider road network. A design statement submitted with the plans outlines the vision of providing a “sustainable solution” for the care, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned or neglected dogs.

The centre would feature 21 kennels with 18 covered runs, a training zone, and space for grooming, veterinary care and surgeries. It would also include a reception area, staff facilities and visitor rooms, with on-site parking and landscaping.

The proposal notes the project’s alignment with local planning objectives, and highlights its commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. Solar panels would be installed to enhance energy efficiency, and the layout has been designed to work with the site's natural contours.

The buildings would be single-storey and styled in a vernacular Northern Irish agricultural design, with a mixture of white render, stone, and metal finishes.

The applicant says the location was chosen to minimise disturbance to residents and to allow for future expansion, with support from the local community and access to nearby veterinary services.

A design and access statement says  - The proposed dog rescue centre on Windyhall Road offers a well-planned, sustainable solution to a growing local need. Every year, countless abandoned and neglected dogs are left without a safe place to go, relying on overstretched shelters or facing uncertain futures. This centre will provide them with a second chance—offering care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to find loving homes. Its accessible yet semi-rural location ensures ease of operation while integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. By filling a critical gap in local services, this proposal aligns with planning objectives, delivering a community-focused development that enhances both animal welfare and local infrastructure."

Council planners will now consider the application in due course.