Kennels no longer suitable for housing dogs could be knocked down and houses built in their place.

In the late 1980s a horticultural nursery in Epping Lane, Stapleford Abbots began to branch out into the dog boarding business.

The plant side of the company eventually fell away, allowing Theydon Mount Kennels to begin trading in proper.

Now the dog company's days seemed to be numbered, with an application submitted to Epping Forest District Council requesting permission to build seven homes in its place.

Part of the application reads: "The site houses a commercial kennel business, it contains a considerable number of outbuildings and sheds, most of which are single storey in nature.

"The buildings in their current state fall short of standards suitable for housing dogs."

If approved, four three-bed and three four-bed houses would be built.