EXOTIC creatures could move into a Wear Valley village as early as September now that plans for an animal sanctuary have been given the go-ahead.

Residents of The Exotic Animal Welfare Trust, to be created on the outskirts of Tow Law, will include wild cats, reptiles and birds of prey.

The £5m development will occupy a 22-acre site at Boundary Farm, on the A68, and is likely to be the biggest rehoming sanctuary in the country.

It will work with groups such as the RSPCA and zoos to rescue animals and adopt unwanted exotic pets and will offer educational visits for groups and schools.

The trust, about to be registered as a charity, will open a shop selling animal supplies, with profits going towards the running costs of the sanctuary.

Animals housed at the site will be neutered and vaccinated before rehoming.

Spearheading the scheme is herpetologist Peter Heathcote, who runs the Reptile Trust at Burnopfield which will be absorbed into the operation over the next two years. Mr Heathcote said he was thrilled that the plans have this week been approved by Wear Valley District Council's development officers.

He said: "This means we can get started straight away with developing the site and building facilities for each type of animal.

"Initially we will build facilities for reptiles including crocodiles and a specialist turtle pool, followed by an enclosure for up to 400 ferrets, ten aviaries and finally substantial secure housing for larger animals.

"It is quite worrying to know the extent of the problem. Sadly, lots of people buy exotic pets then realise they cannot cope. Sanctuaries in the South are really full - we have already been asked to take on a lioness.

"We hope, through education, to show people how to care for exotic animals, rehome those that owners can no longer keep and encourage people to work to protect endangered species."

Head of Wear Valley District Council development David Townsend said: "The sanctuary will work for animal welfare and provide a tourist attraction and education facility."