A RABBIT sanctuary which had been under threat of closure has won a stay of execution. The Rabbit Residence in Great Chishill was granted planning permission to stay open for at least two-years at a meeting of South Cambridgeshire district council s plann

A RABBIT sanctuary which had been under threat of closure has won a stay of execution.

The Rabbit Residence in Great Chishill was granted planning permission to stay open for at least two-years at a meeting of South Cambridgeshire district council's planning committee held last Tuesday.

Owner of the Rabbit Residence, Caroline Collings, had applied for permanent planning permission, but said she was pleased her collection of bunnies will not be made homeless.

She said: "It's disappointing that it hasn't been made permanent, but obviously we're delighted we're here to stay for the next couple of years."

The residence is accessed via Wallers Close in Great Chishill, and its future has been under threat for two years after residents of the close complained about the traffic and parking issues created by visitors to the site.

A representative of the parish council is now set to sit on the Rabbit Residence's management committee to improve communication between the parties.

Miss Collings, who has kept rabbits on the site since 1998, added: "We're going to a parish council meeting this week to sort things out. I've lived in the village all my life and am very passionate about the local community, so I want everyone to be able to get on."

Sarah Scott, from Chishill Parish council, said: "As a parish council we have no problem with having the rabbit residence, although its location is not ideal. Hopefully having someone on their committee will help alleviate the problems we've been having.

"We have to take a balanced view of things and take into account the needs of everybody we represent, but if we can all get along together then that will be all well and good," she said.

For more information on the Rabbit Residence, visit www.rabbitresidence.org.uk.