Controversial plans for hunting kennels for up to 80 dogs in a village near Whitchurch have been given the go-ahead – for the second time. The plan is for kennels for the North Shropshire Hunt in Whixall.

Councillors yesterday approved the kennels at a meeting of North Shropshire District Council’s development control committee.

A similar planning application for land at Greenfields, Ossage Lane, granted in September last year, is currently under judicial review after objectors called for legal action.

Joan Dowell, of North Shropshire District Council, said as far as they were aware the review was still live in the courts, despite the latest application. 

She said: “They are considered as two separate applications so they are considered individually. The judicial review is still live in the courts unless the other parties decide not to go ahead with it.”

Councillors voted to approve the latest plans for the kennels, despite further objections from residents.

Resident Claire Petricca-Riding said the kennels contravened the local plan and neighbours had concerns about drainage issues, flooding risks and pollution.

Duncan Ferguson, speaking for the hunt, said: “We are respecters of the environment and we have no desire to damage the environment at all. 

“There are a very large number of people who actively support the application and would welcome the hunt to Greenfields. It is our wish to be accepted as good neighbours in Whixall.”