Cumbria's first ever cattery approved
The RSPCA cattery is set to be built in Kendal
A new RSPCA cattery has been given the green light to open in south Cumbria.
Approval has been given for plans to convert an industrial unit into a RSPCA cattery in Kendal.
The proposal, lodged by Ms Lowe, asked to turn unit 1 Beezon Fields into a RSPCA cattery and was approved by the council on December 3.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity operating throughout England and Wales that promotes animal welfare.
It is one of the largest charities in the UK and the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world.
The application reads: “Within the building there will be 14 pens on the ground floor, three pens on the first floor to accommodate long-stayers and six new isolation pens in the courtyard.
“All cats spend time in the isolation pens before being moved into the main building. Vet rooms will be included within the building.”
The pens are to the Association of Dogs & Cats Homes standards and RSPCA approved and licensed.
The public will not be allowed into the cattery without an appointment.
While the charity operates similar facilities in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire, there are no such catteries in Cumbria. This would make the Kendal cattery the first in the county.
The proposed use will employ three full time and two part time staff.
The application reads: “The unit at Beezon Road is ideal for the RSPCA’s purposes as it is close to their office and training rooms at Beezon Road.
“The proximity of the proposed new cattery to existing facilities would allow the RSPCA to support Kendal College and local school students and enable practical hands on experience reinforced by classroom follow up work.”
The proposal would not change the whole Beezon Road Area from the defined employment uses – just the industrial unit.
The application reads: “This would not compromise the supply of employment land and premises in the district and the animal welfare and educational opportunity the proposal offers outweigh any loss of the defined employment uses.”