PLANS to build new dog kennels near a woodland cemetery have been approved.

Grieving families had objected to proposals to build the kennels near West Pennine Remembrance Park, Entwistle, which supply German Shepherds to police forces across the country.

They said burials had been interrupted by barking dogs, disturbing the peace and quiet of the remembrance park.

Blackburn with Darwen Council officers were notified of the existence of the kennels in the park last year following complaints from residents about barking dogs.

An application was submitted seeking permission for the three existing kennels, as well as an additional two.

Members of the council's planning and highways committee approved the proposals despite objections.

Temporary permission was granted for a year whilst the noise in the surrounding area can be monitored.

Should permanent permission be sought, another application would have to be submitted to the council.