A couple have won their appeal to build a new cattery in St Lawrence after their plans were rejected twice over concerns about the impact on green space.

Permission has now been granted for ‘The Purrfect Retreat’ at a private property on La Route de l’Eglise next to St Lawrence Church.

Sarah and Simon Dowling plan to run the 13-pen cattery as a small family business.

The couple first submitted plans early last year but saw them refused twice after the Planning Committee ruled the proposal would damage the landscape and be too large for the site.

While some residents raised concerns ahead of the decision about traffic and the size of the development, as well as the noise and smell of the animals, pet owners who backed the scheme argued it was much-needed following the recent closure of three Jersey catteries.

Much is made of the ‘not-in-my-backyard’ principle in Jersey, and we saw it working in overtime in attempting to sabotage a much-needed cattery

Sarah and Simon Dowling

Reviewing the appeal, independent planning inspector Nigel McGurk recommended that it be approved. 

He found that the single-storey building “would not harm, but would protect the character and appearance of the area” and would be “entirely hidden from public view”.

Mr McGurk said the operation was “unlikely to result in any significant impacts in respect of noise, disturbance, traffic, odours, vermin or waste disposal” and noted there was “evidence of demand for a cattery” which would “support the local economy”.

Speaking after the decision, Mr and Mrs Dowling said they were “elated”, adding that the outcome “vindicates the need for another cattery in Jersey”.

“Much is made of the ‘not-in-my-backyard’ principle in Jersey, and we saw it working in overtime in attempting to sabotage a much-needed cattery,” they said in a statement.

“The approval could have been forthcoming within six months; it eventually got approved after 15 months.

“The stress and financial implications associated with this unnecessary prolongation should not be underestimated.”

The Purrfect Retreat is expected to open “as near to Easter next year as possible”.