DOG kennels look set to be allowed to stay open, despite complaints from neighbours and parish councillors.

A retrospective application to keep overnight boarding kennels open at Robin Hill Cottage, Greenhead Lane, Reedley, has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The application will go before Pendle Council's Brierfield and Reedley Committee on Tuesday, but a second, to continue breeding dogs at the cottage, has been withdrawn.

Even if the application is refused, Pendle Council cannot force the removal of the kennels in the back garden of the cottage, because they have been there for more than four years despite being built without permission.

Instead, the council can only control the use of the buildings, and it is hoped that by restricting the owner to a maximum of 14 boarding dogs, the "clutter" of kennels can be cleared and reduced.

Neighbours have signed a petition and sent letters to object to the plan, claiming the dogs' barking meant a constant nuisance, as well as traffic problems at the entrance to Greenhead Lane.

But parish council chairman Mike Blomeley said he hoped the compromise would mean fewer problems.

He said: "The owner is already licensed as a boarding kennels and what has been proposed is simply to allow that to carry on.

"I believe the kennels have recently changed hands and the new owner is willing to try to reduce disruption to neighbours.

"There are still some concerns nd the noise nuisance will continue, but I suspect the issue will be sorted out soon."