THE problems of housing stray dogs in Worcestershire could be eased after plans to build a new block of kennels was given the all-clear by Wychavon District Council.

Members of the council's development control committee approved the application to build a 12-kennel block on land at Danemere Petotel, in Tibberton.

The building will be used to home stray dogs for up to a week, after which they will be rehomed by Danemere or taken to the National Canine Defence League, where a new owner will be found for them.

But councillor Tony Hotham joined members in raising concerns about the noise implications of the block, which would be built separately from the "petotel" to ensure diseases cannot be passed to boarding animals.

"I am not trying to stand in the way, but I am concerned about the noise," he said.

"I feel all the dogs should be in the kennels when feeding time comes, as we ought to be thinking of ways to protect the area from noise intrusion.

"If you add half the amount of dogs again (as there are already), there could be some complaints of noise."

However, in a report to councillors, environmental health officer Geoff Carpenter said there had been no complaints about noise levels.

He added noise should not be an issue due to the behaviour of stray dogs.

"There will be separate kennels for each dog to stop the pack instinct which causes them to bark," he said.

"Dogs only bark when they know their surroundings, and as they are strays they will not know their surroundings.

"Therefore, I am reliably informed, they will not bark."

Members approved the application with conditions.