Anger at cattery plans (From Stroud News and Journal)

Anger at cattery plans

ANGRY residents of a Stonehouse estate are horrified at a neighbour's plans to put a cattery in her back garden.

Cat lover Hazel Tierney's plans for a cattery at her Cotswold Green home have generated more than 20 objections.

Town councillors have also objected, saying it would be an inappropriate use of a private property because the cattery would be a commercial venture.

But Mrs Tierney (corr) has hit back, saying she needs it for her livelihood, and adding that it won't affect other residents.

Her neighbour, David Jones, is concerned about the impact on the area. "The visual impact of this thing is awful because the whole back garden has been made into a cattery," he said.

"We are concerned about the health risks, the noise and the smell the cats will create around here."

Another near neighbour, Roy Turner, said: "It's not really a suitable property for a this type of business.

"You shouldn't be able to put a cattery right in the middle of a residential area."

However, despite the concerns, planners at Stroud District Council are recommending the application be approved.

Mrs Tierney, who moved to Stonehouse recently from Thrupp, where she also ran the cattery, is deeply upset about the objections.

She said: "This is a very small business that just enables me to look after my elderly mother who would normally have had to go into a home.

"It is my livelihood and I've been through an extremely tough time recently.

"I don't want to upset people, it won't affect anyone."

She has applied to erect eight cat pens in her garden, which could house a maximum of 16 cats at any one time.

Mrs Tierney insisted she would be stringent on health and safety regulations, adding that there would be no noise or smell from the cats.

A decision is due to be made at SDC's development control committee meeting on Tuesday.