FEARS that “lots of strange dogs” could scare nearby residents’ pets have not stopped a dog grooming business from getting the go-ahead.

A shed which will become home to the business will be built in the rear garden of 12 Warrender Court, North Berwick.

East Lothian Council has given the business the thumbs up but that came after nine public objections were received which highlighted more than a dozen concerns.

Among those fears were “lots of strange dogs coming and going will scare the objectors’ pets” and “clients and related people unbeknown to the objector may end up waiting and/or loitering around the residential area, creating a security risk and causing concern to residents”.

Council planning officials outlined that a number of the objections were not material planning considerations.

Instead, they approved Gary Connell’s plans and said: “The key consideration in this case is whether or not the use of part of the applicant’s garden and driveway for a dog grooming business is acceptable, with due regard to the impact of such use on the amenity of nearby properties and on road safety.”

In documents within the planning application, Mr Connell outlined it was anticipated that half a dozen dogs would be groomed per day.

The planning officer’s report adds: “The applicant also states that the business would be open to members of the public through appointments only and that no advertising for the business will be displayed on the property. The dog grooming business would operate from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.”