A GROUP of retired fox hounds who faced having to be put down have been saved after a compromise by planners.

David Cowie, of Wolsingham, County Durham, built kennels to house dozens of the hounds shortly after the fox hunting ban was imposed in February - but was then ordered by council planners to take them down.

That would have left the animals homeless and they would probably have been put down, but Wear Valley District Council has now reversed the decision following an appeal.

The kennels can remain for the next ten years, meaning Mr Cowie can continue to care for the 22 hounds.

He said: "I'm over the moon with the decision and I'm looking forward to getting back to my hobby. I've been interested in hunting and fox hounds all my life. When the ban came in, a few of the places couldn't keep going and I didn't want to see them get put down."

A review will take place after ten years, when another decision will be made, based on how many of the hounds are still alive.

Residents nearby had complained about the noise the dogs made and the smell of food. There were also fears that Mr Cowie may have commercial reasons for keeping the hounds - particularly if the hunting ban was overturned.

The kennels have been allowed to remain on condition that the use is domestic, with sound insulation fitted within two months.