Andover council approves dog groomers beside a cat cafe after debate, despite some concerns about noise and waste.
Cllr Philip Lashbrook supported the plan. He spoke at the planning meeting on February 20. Lashbrook said cats are not scared of dogs, and he thinks cats would ignore the dogs.
Cllr Iris Andersen also supported the business. She stated it would benefit the town and said the cat cafe is only open three days a week. She felt there would be no issues with dogs and cats, and she saw no problems with the dog groomers opening.
Planning officers recommended the plan. Andover Town Council also gave its support. The plan was to change the site use from a nail salon to dog groomers. The building will not change inside or out.
The council received some feedback. Three people objected to the plan. However, 42 people wrote letters of support. The council’s report said the plan was acceptable and followed local rules and plans for the area.
The report stated only a few dogs would be there. At most, three dogs from one family would visit. Stuart Waue owns the Andover Catfe, and he objected to the plan in December. He worried about more dogs nearby.
Waue feared more dog waste in the area. He also worried about noisy dogs disturbing cats and cat cafe visitors. Amber Cooper owns Barks ‘N’ Bubbles. She believes the animals can coexist without interacting.