A DOG rescue centre has been refused planning permission.

AA Dog Rescue Centre has been running for five years, despite only ever being allowed as a site for horses, in Latchingdon.

On Monday the south eastern area planning committee unanimously rejected a planning application for 27 kennels on site citing noise concerns.

The decision means if the owners continue to keep dogs they could face criminal sanctions.

Owner Charlene Nathan pointed to the hundreds of letters of support and thousands of dogs saved as reasons for permission being granted.

She told the committee: “We are now only asking for 27 kennels, a 65 per cent reduction.

“I respectfully ask that you look at the commitment, money and time we have spent to show that we are willing and able to make this work.”

Supporter Cathy Clarke added: “The main difference I have learned is many dogs have nowhere to go and the residents who volunteer there greatly miss the rescue.”

Committee member Adrian Fluker, who admitted having bought a dog from the centre, accepted noise would be a problem and Anthony Flittock, spokesman for the residents who lived nearby the site, said: “Allowing this development will be a life sentence on the character of the surrounding land but more importantly the health and wellbeing of residents nearby.”

The primary ground for refusal was noise pollution.

Chairman Richard Dewick pointed out soundproofing the inside would not help when the dogs are outside.

The centre has been served with enforcement notices already to stop housing dogs at the site.

Several members of the public reacted with disappointment and anger at the decision.