Willow Farm

Your questions about Willow Farm, answered

Moving to Willow Farm is one of the most significant developments in Wadars’ history, and we know that such a big change naturally brings plenty of questions.

From why we’re leaving Hangleton Lane and why Willow Farm was chosen, to what the move means for the animals in our care, our staff, volunteers and the services we provide, we’ve brought together answers to some of the questions we’re being asked most often.

We hope the information below helps explain the thinking behind the move, what will happen during the transition and why we’re so excited about the opportunities Willow Farm will create for the future of Wadars.

Why are you moving?

Hangleton Lane is a 15-acre site, but Wadars currently uses only a small part of it. Developing more of the site would require significant investment in drainage improvements and access roads, something we simply cannot afford to do.

Even though we only use part of the site, we are responsible for looking after the whole property, including its boundaries, trees, hedges and grassed areas. The cost of maintaining such a large site is substantial.

As a charity, we must make sure every pound we spend has the greatest possible impact. We believe our resources are better directed towards what matters most to us: caring for animals, helping them find loving homes, and supporting the people and pets in our community.

Moving to a more suitable site will allow us to focus more of our time and resources where they are needed most, helping animals in need.

The main reason is the significant cost involved. Planning regulations require kennels to be located a considerable distance from neighbouring properties, which means there are substantial infrastructure requirements to meet before construction could even begin.

For Wadars, this would mean an investment of approximately £1 million in access roads, fencing and drainage improvements. Unfortunately, this makes building kennels at Hangleton Lane financially unviable for us.

Willow Farm is a smaller, three-acre site that is much more practical and manageable for our needs. Most importantly, it will give us the opportunity to improve the way we care for animals and create a more suitable environment for them.

For the first time in Wadars’ history, the site will allow us to build kennels. This means we will be able to care for dogs on site, alongside the other animals already supported by our services, helping more animals in need and giving them the time, care and attention they deserve while they wait for their new homes.

The move will also give us room to grow our services in the future. There is potential to develop facilities such as an education centre or veterinary practice, which could bring even more benefits to animals and the local community.

Willow Farm also offers much greater visibility. Unlike Hangleton Lane, which is tucked away off a dual carriageway at the end of a lane, Willow Farm is in a prominent position on a busy roundabout. Clear signage will make it much easier for people to find us, helping more members of the public connect with Wadars and access the support and services we provide.

The direct costs associated with the move are expected to be approximately £450,000. There will be additional expenditure for new kennels, dog exercise areas, and other facilities.

However, over the long term, Willow Farm will be more cost-effective due to the significantly lower maintenance costs compared with Hangleton Lane.

Wadars has sufficient reserves to cover the costs of the move. In addition, we will be launching an appeal to seek support from the local community and businesses.

We have already secured the backing of a local charitable trust, which has pledged £100,000 towards the construction of new kennels.

Completion of the Willow Farm purchase is scheduled for 14 September 2026.

Following completion, we will submit a full planning application detailing our proposed use of the site. Preparation of the application is expected to take around four weeks. Once submitted, the planning process could take up to three months.

We anticipate beginning redevelopment work at the site in the New Year.

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Earlier this year, we submitted a pre-application enquiry to the planning department and received a positive response. This gave the Trustees the confidence to proceed with the purchase of Willow Farm.

While some amendments to our proposals may be required during the planning process, we are confident that planning permission will be granted and do not anticipate this becoming an issue.

Yes. Our Animal Rescue Service will continue to operate as normal throughout the transition period.

We will also continue to rehome cats and dogs, using commercial kennel and cattery facilities where necessary. In addition, our Animal Welfare Team will continue delivering educational talks and outreach activities across the Worthing area.

No. All employees will remain in their roles throughout the transition.

Some volunteer activities may need to be temporarily suspended until the new facilities are fully operational, but we expect these opportunities to resume once the redevelopment programme is complete in the New Year.

The welfare of the animals in our care will remain our highest priority. Careful plans will be put in place to ensure there is minimal disruption, and all animals will continue to receive the same high standard of care throughout the transition.

A number of potential sites were considered. Willow Farm was selected because it provides a suitable location, sufficient space for our current and future needs, good public visibility, and the opportunity to create purpose-built facilities.

The move will enable Wadars to expand its facilities, improve animal welfare provision, build kennels for the first time, and create opportunities for future services that will benefit animals across the region

Absolutely. Volunteers remain at the heart of everything we do. While some roles may be temporarily paused during the transition, we look forward to welcoming both existing and new volunteers to Willow Farm.

Supporters can help by donating, fundraising, volunteering, sharing our appeal with friends and family, and following our progress as we develop the new site. Please look at our website for regular updates and join our Newsletter.

No. The move is being carefully planned to ensure that our ongoing animal welfare work continues. Investing in Willow Farm is an investment in the future sustainability and growth of Wadars.

The exact number will depend on the final planning approval and detailed design. Our aim is to create modern, purpose-built facilities that meet current and future needs. We may start with a small number of kennels and increase the number in future years as finance allows.

We intend to make the site as environmentally sustainable as possible. Detailed plans will form part of the planning application and may include habitat enhancement, energy-efficient buildings, and improved landscaping.

We will work closely with neighbours, the local authority, and contractors to minimise disruption. Any temporary impacts during redevelopment will be managed responsibly and communicated in advance where possible.

This move represents one of the most significant developments in Wadars’ 57-year history. It provides the opportunity to create a modern animal welfare centre that is financially sustainable, easier to manage, more visible to the public, and better equipped to meet the needs of animals for many years to come.