The Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt hounds have been given official approval to move to new premises near Bell Busk.

Craven District Council’s planning committee agreed in principle to the conversion of a building at Wheelwright Farm, Coniston Cold, in May, but had asked for the application to be brought back to the June meeting for confirmation of conditions.

The application had received the backing of the planning committee despite being recommended for refusal by planning officers.

A number of local residents had voiced concerns about potential noise and fouling, as well as danger to road users.

But the committee felt there were insufficient planning grounds for refusal and accepted that the use of the public highway for the exercising of the harrier hounds was outside planning control.

After the first planning meeting, three further letters had been received highlighting fears of livestock disturbance and potential health risk to livestock and people through the hounds’ waste.

The committee reiterated its approval of the scheme and agreed a summary of conditions.

These include using natural, reclaimed stone in construction of the building and providing a sample to ensure the work retains the character of the traditional building.

No areas outside the building may be used for industrial operations or to store materials, plant, equipment, products or waste.

The occupation of the converted stable block must be limited to those workers and their dependants who are directly responsible for the care and handling of the hounds. A further condition was added relating to disposal of dog waste.