Fur flies over cattery

A CONTROVERSIAL bid to extend a Bishopstone cattery has been thrown out by councillors.

Sylvia Harrison, of Marine Drive, wanted planning permission to add an extra three cat boarding kennels to the six already in her back garden.

But neighbours complained about noise and smell from the animals and traffic problems caused by visitors.

Jeff King, who lives next door to the cattery, hit out at the plans at a Lewes District Council planning meeting on Wednesday last week.

He complained about the comings and goings of cattery customers, smell and noise from the animals, and disturbance caused by the cleaning of the kennels.

It is with some sadness once again we have to defend our right to privacy, and peace and quiet in our own home, he said.

No attempt has been made to protect our privacy, he added.

Cattery proprietor Mrs Harrison said Mr King had made no attempt to air his grievances with her or complain to the council before the extension was proposed.

I am not sure why he is picking on me. Why, if I have caused such a disturbance, has he not been prepared to talk to me?

Mrs Harrison admitted some noise had been caused by the crying of five-month-old kittens she had kept. But as a result she had refused to take care of other young kittens when asked again recently.

A council officers report recommended councillors reject the bid. It said more kennels would increase comings and goings and have a detrimental impact on the character and amenities of the area.

Cllr Les Whittle agreed. He said the plans would result in a level of interference and disturbance that would be unacceptable in a domestic garden .

But Cllr Gilly Cowdrey backed the application. On her inspection along the road she had seen no traffic problems and heard no cats.

She added: If the applicant has four or five children she does not need planning permission for that. And that would be more noisy than nine cats!