When a society housing unwanted Great Danes was desperate for a new home itself, an offer of accommodation sounded like a godsend.

Supporters of the Great Dane Adoption Society set to work on the base, installing a mobile home, kennels and fencing.

Just five weeks after moving in, the group has been given 14 days to quit after complaints about noise and unauthorised development and the dogs face being put down.

Hargreaves Construction of Rustington offered temporary use of space at its disused cement works near Shoreham after hearing the society had to move from its old base at Westmeston, near Ditchling.

Society treasurer Christine McMahon said she had understood the offer would stand for up to three years but would last for at least six months.

The society rallied volunteers and supporters and invested £15,000 and countless hours transforming the site for its 18 dogs.

She said: "We're really disappointed and feel very, very let down.

"We have not been given a reason. All we have been told is that it's about noise, but we haven't seen anyone from the council complaining.

"They never said how long we could be here, but gave us the rough idea it was for a minimum of six months.

"They have given us 14 days and then our dogs will be put to sleep."

The Great Dane Adoption Society has became the largest national society since it was set up 18 months ago.

Director of Hargreaves Chris Boulter said: "We let them in on the basis that there would be a caravan for someone to be in while looking after a few dogs on a temporary basis. What has evolved is four caravans which are quite an eyesore.

"We guaranteed nothing, but just wanted to try to help out. We are quite happy for them to be there, but we can't flout planning law - it's out of our hands. The upshot is that, regrettably, we have asked them to vacate the site due to the level of objection which has been raised."

Andrew Frost, area planning officer for Horsham District Council, said a complaint had been received about barking and the society needed planning permission for the development.

He said: "A potential breach was brought to our attention and we have advised the lady concerned that the use amounts to a breach and that she needed to apply for planning permission."

"She is now aware that technically she needs planning permission and we have asked her to let us know what she's going to do."