A PET rehoming centre could be set up in a Radcliffe high street in place of a former job centre.

Blue Cross animal welfare charity has submitted an application to open a dog rehoming and advice centre in Blackburn Street.

The site has previously been used as offices by Jobcentre Plus and Groundwork Bury and Bolton, but currently stands vacant.

The statement from Asbri Planning Ltd said: “The proposed use of the property is similar in type to that operated by the charity within Newport, Wales.

“New homes are found for unwanted or abandoned dogs, cats, small pets and horses either through rehoming centres or through a 'Home Direct' scheme, where pets are rehomed directly from their old home to a new one."

Under plans submitted this month, the site would provide accommodation for up to four dogs in need of rehoming.

The ground floor space would include a reception area, a ‘meet and greet’ room for potential new owners to meet the dogs, a large assessment room, service and laundry area, toilet and storage space.

Meanwhile, the first floor would have a general open plan office space, storage areas and more toilets.

The dogs would be kept overnight in nearby kennels and transported to and from the unit each day.

Other services would include free microchipping, fundraising events, and advice for visitors.

It is expected that an equivalent of 4.5 full-time employees will be taken on at the centre.

Asbri Planning said in supporting documents: “Human companionship is the best way to cater for a pet’s wellbeing and to this end the dogs will always be supervised inside and outside of the unit by a dedicated team of volunteer animal carers.”

Proposed opening hours would be operational between 8am and 6pm every weekday and weekend, including Bank Holidays.

However, further notes in the application suggest the centre may only be open between 10am and 4pm, potentially closing to the public on Wednesdays.

The site has three existing parking spaces and the developers estimate that the site will generate “at worst” around 30 daily vehicle movements.

A noise impact assessment carried out by Hepworth Acoustics found that there was no significant noise impact associated with the proposals.