A planning application for a commercial cattery in St Lawrence has gained the support of local cat owners – but others have warned the new business could permanently alter the quiet character of a country lane.
Simon Dowling has submitted a new planning application to build a 13-unit cattery on La Route de L’Eglise, and retrospectively get permission for a large retaining wall already built on the site.
It comes just months after a similar proposal was rejected by planners due to the scale of the development and the loss of green land.
Critics have argued that the revised proposal is fundamentally unchanged and fails to address the original concerns.
John Nicholson, a planning consultant acting for a neighbouring property, said the application “proposes exactly the same form of development” and described it as “disproportionately large and incongruous as a commercial enterprise within a domestic back garden in the Green Zone.”
Writing in the public comments section on the planning application, Mark Galvin said: “I would consider that a large concrete slab, retaining wall, and a UPVC building cannot be reasonably described as protecting or improving this green zone landscape.”
Opponents have also raised concerns about increased traffic, the safety of pedestrians, and the potential impact on the environment.
Meegan Lakeman wrote: “As a walker in these lanes, I consider the risk unacceptable.”
Nearby resident Jonathan Dauny added: “Our young children are starting to use this lane regularly independently, and there have already been far too many close shaves with vehicles.”
In response, the applicants argued the cattery would be a well-considered facility that aims to meet rising demand on the island following the closure of several existing catteries in recent years.
The application said: “Three island catteries have closed in the last five years due to owner retirement. The last approved catteries were in April and October 2013.
“There is a strong public demand for cat boarding facilities as evidenced on social media.”
The Dowlings also argued that concerns over noise and smell are unfounded.
The application cites research from UK manufacturer Pedigree Pens, which found that the PVCu construction would limit noise levels to approximately 47 decibels, which the applicants say is “lower than an average quiet suburb or conversation at home”.
To address earlier objections, the proposal includes landscaping plans aimed at restoring green land.
The Dowlings wrote: “We aim not only to restore the green infrastructure but also to enhance it substantially by introducing planting that will encourage wildlife and help connect existing wildlife corridors.”
The facility would operate six days a week, with drop-offs and collections by appointment only between limited hours.
The applicants also said they would collect and return up to half the cats themselves and that the property’s driveway has been widened to accommodate six vehicles, which reduces the need for on-street parking.
Supporters, meanwhile, describe the cattery as a much-needed business that would be discreet and professionally run.
A former cattery owner wrote: “Even after retiring and closing my cattery over a year ago, I continue to receive numerous requests for recommendations, highlighting the insufficient boarding options to satisfy the needs of our community.”
And islander Howard Williams commented on the application: “The island could benefit from having another cattery, and the plans for this one are impressive.
“The design harmonises well with the surrounding environment. Supporting local businesses is important for the community.”
The full planning application can be read HERE.