The major sticking point of the development focused on the acoustics of the shelter, yet the majority of councillors were satisfied any potential noise issues could be addressed.

The much loved animal refuge has been homeless since it was forced to vacate their previous facility in Craiglie in 2016.

“This will be a historic day for Paws and Claws,” said Councillor Abigail Noli, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Julia Leu, who was speaking via telephone hook-up.

Councillor and Paws and Claws president, Michael Kerr, excused himself from the meeting given his conflict of interest.

Councillors voted 3-1 in favour of supporting the application, with Cr Roy Zammatarro still not convinced the location of the shelter, at the Teamsters Close industrial estate, would be without problems.

“I think there will be a hell of a lot of complaints about this facility,” he said yesterday.

“I think it’s going to create a minefield for us.”

VIDEO by Vasco Gonsalves

Mayor Julia Leu, in supporting the decision, stressed Council had been staunch in their advocacy for an appropriate location.

The shelter will also be held to strict conditions.

“We have battled for many years to secure an appropriate site,” she said.

“This is a really pivotal moment for everyone who has been fighting hard for this animal refuge.”

The proposed development includes an administration office, shop, cattery, quarantine room, three isolation pens, ten puppy pens and a dog kennel area containing 38 kennels with pens.

More to come…

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