Plans to open a dog daycare and grooming business in a largely residential area have been unveiled.

New Forest District Council has received an application relating to Unit 2 at Orchard House in Hamilton Road, Hythe.

The application says: "The proposal seeks to utilise a vacant commercial premises and provide a much-needed dog daycare and dog grooming facility.

"Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, dog ownership has risen exponentially.

"Now that working from home is becoming less commonplace, there is a dire need for dogs to be looked after during working hours and this facility will enable a professionally run establishment to provide such a service within an existing facility.

"The dog grooming section of the business will be restricted to the north-western part of Unit 2 and the remainder will be for the use of the dog daycare element.

"The dogs will be handled by experts in their field and will only be allowed outside into the fenced area under supervision and for specific tasks.

"There will be a significant buffer zone between the outside area and the nearest residential properties."