A planning bid by Prickles & Paws for a new premises on the Carnanton Estate has been rejected by Cornwall Council despite claims of a positive survey results and a significant groundswell of local support for the relocation project.

The charity is now resuming its search and seeking to recoup its expenditure on the unsuccessful planning application.

The planning application and its comments can be viewed here.

Co-Founder and Animal Care & Operations Manager Katy South says: "This is a disappointing result, and it comes at an especially challenging time for the charity; the last couple of months have seen our highest admission rates ever.

"At one point we had 134 hedgehogs and hoglets onsite, the majority injured or unwell requiring intensive care.

"We desperately need to relocate to a larger premises to enable us to continue to provide a high standard of care to the Southwests hedgehogs, which are classified as vulnerable to extinction.

"We now face the additional challenge of recouping the £3000 spent on the surveys and the planning application fee – a significant amount for a small charity like Prickles & Paws.

"As such we wholeheartedly welcome any new opportunities that might be forthcoming, and are as always incredibly grateful for all of the support from the local community.

"If anybody knows of a possible alternative location we would love to hear about it!"

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Prickles & Paws’ current residential location is no longer sufficient for meeting the needs of its ever-increasing hedgehog numbers, and the charity is looking for a new location, ideally within a five-mile radius of Cubert to allow it to expand and keep up with the ever-growing demand.

A central location within the county is key to ensure staff and volunteer retention.

Although slightly further away, the Carnanton site was an ideal location for Prickles & Paws due to its quiet surroundings and road access.

The planning application was refused on the grounds that the site is designated as "ancient woodland" despite the fact that the site was cleared by the council in 2008 due to its close proximity to the airport, and that the land has since been replanted with 2 tree species that are coppiced and not allowed to mature.

The site and ecology reports that Prickles and Paws commissioned reportedly found that the site is no longer representative of ancient woodland and will not be allowed to become an ancient woodland again whilst the airport remains.

Prickles & Paws charity in Cubert attracted the support of patrons including model and TV celebrity Lucie Donlan and BBC Earth Presenter Hannah Stitfall.

Katy explains: "We not only provide care for hedgehogs but are at the heart of local community, bringing people together to volunteer, offering educational talks and work placement opportunities.

"We also work closely with other local organisations, such as RAF St Mawgan who help us to release hedgehogs safely on their land."

People wishing to support the project can donate to the Crowdfunder here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/prickles-and-paws-hedgehog-rescue-1174597