An appeal made against the council's decision to reject plans for a puppy breeding farm in Ayrshire has been dropped.

Hazel Hunter applied for a licence to breed dogs on New Intax Farm near Galston in 2016.

In October that year, a planning application was accepted for the premises to be turned into a dog breeding and sales business, with 18 kennels to be built inside the farm and dogs being transported to customers.

The facility was reportedly intended to house up to 40 dogs which would be reared and sold at a profit.

In January, East Ayrshire Council rejected the application, resulting in Hamilton lodging a court appeal against the decision.

The applicant dropped her bid on Thursday, and the case was dismissed.

A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: "On 10 October 2016, East Ayrshire Licencing Panel received an application for a dog breeder licence at New Intax Farm, Newmilns.

"The application was considered on Friday 6 January 2017 and was rejected.

"The applicant, exercising their statutory rights, decided to appeal the Panel's decision in the Sheriff Court.

"At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court today (Thursday June 29) the applicant withdrew their appeal and the case was dismissed.

"The decision of the East Ayrshire Licensing Board to refuse the application stands."