A CATTERY will be built in a Worcestershire village, despite complaints from neighbours that it will be like living next door to a safari park.

The plan to build three cattery units alongside an existing kennels business in Leigh Sinton was given the go-ahead at Malvern District Council's northern area development meeting.

Objector Roger Kordas said the decision to allow Les Childs to expand his business at Brook End House, Stocks Lane, was wrong, as people living nearby were already disturbed by dogs barking and the development could only make things worse.

Mr Kordas, who lives on the same lane, said: "The dog barking really gets you down and we were under the impression when the business was started that it wouldn't get any bigger. I said it would be like living next to a safari park and now we will just have to wait and see."

Among those who opposed the application was the owner of Pussy Cat Pussy Cat Boarding Cattery, Suckley, who suggested dogs at the existing kennels could disturb cats at the proposed cattery.

Mr Childs said he was pleased with the decision and work would start as soon as possible.

"I feel vindicated. All of the complaints about noise and traffic are proved to be untrue. My business does not disrupt the area. It also proves, as I said, a lot of it is sour grapes as one of the complainants actually owns a cattery just a few miles away from me. It's good news and we plan to start work in the summer."

The council discussed results from noise tests carried out by environment team officers at the kennels.