A BOARDING kennels and cattery is hoping to convince the council to let it keep two portable buildings used by its vet.

St Giles Kennels, in Wrantage, the buildings are necessary for the business if it is to remain viable.

Its owners are applying to Somerset West and Taunton Council for planning permission to keep the buildings after the current permission runs out next May.

As well as boarding cats and dogs, St Giles, in Newport Road, also provides a stray dog collection and accommodation service for the local authority and also for South Somerset District Council.

It also takes in strays and operates the Dogs4Adoption charity for animals not reunited with their owners.

Planning permission for the portable buildings was first granted in March 2011 and was later extended until May 2020.

St Giles' agent Denise Pichler said: "The buildings remain necessary to the business and this application is for their further retention.

"The application is being made in advance of the May 2020 expiry to satisfy lenders that the business remains viable."

The larger of the two buildings houses the veterinary surgery and office, while the other one is used as a reception and waiting area.