OWNERS of a cat cafe have objected to plans to open a dog grooming salon next door, saying it will cause “unnecessary stress” to the animals.
A change of use application has been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council for the unit in 6 Winchester Street, Andover, the site of the former Style Nails salon.
The application seeks to repurpose the salon into a new branch of dog groomers, Barks ‘N’ Bubbles.
However, the proposed location of the new site has received backlash from the would-be neighbours at the Andover Catfe, who fear that noise from the dogs will upset the feline residents.
READ MORE: New parent and child parking spaces in town centre after EV charging points removed
A comment on the application from Stuart Waue says: “As the proprietor of the neighbouring Andover Catfe, I hereby object to this property being used for dog grooming adjacent to our Cat Cafe.
“Our Catfe is supposed to be a calming atmosphere for people to enjoy the company of cats. If there are agitated dogs making a lot of noise it will upset our cats and create unnecessary stress for them and our visitors.
“The increased canine traffic in the area may also result in an increase in dog faeces and members of the public waiting outside our windows with their (potentially agitated and noisy) dogs disturbing our cats and visitors.
“We’re not dog haters and can appreciate a small business taking on an empty unit, but to open this right next to a cat cafe will potentially end us when we are currently bringing people from outside the town into Andover.
“Additionally, please be sure to note that this change of use application would result in three consecutive non-shop uses which contradicts the TVBC 2016 Local Plan.”
It is the only objection to the dog grooming salon, at the time of writing, 24 comments have been submitted supporting the proposed business.
One of which is from Donna Whatley who said: “A lot of dog owners will wander into town for coffee or to browse other shops whilst their dogs are being groomed, potentially leading to more sales for other businesses.
“I don’t believe it will have a negative effect on the cat cafe as there is no reason why anybody would be stood outside the cafe with agitated dogs. In my experience most dogs love going to the dog groomers and being pampered so they wouldn’t be agitated at all and certainly wouldn’t be peering through windows of the cat cafe.
“I’m sure there will be minimal noise and there is also a stairway leading to the Indian restaurant, between the shop and the cat cafe so not even sharing a wall so I’m sure the café won’t hear anything.”
Donna Bell added: “I am in full support of this application. Amber has been grooming Molly for almost 8 years, and not only does a great job, but is kind and supporting to the owners.
She has a successful business and has a great reputation, I would not go anywhere else.
“This is an opportunity for someone who lives locally, to set up a small business in the town centre for local people.”
Readers can view and comment on the application, 24/02985/FULLN, on the Test Valley Borough Council planning portal.
Amber Cooper, owner of Barks ‘N’ Bubbles, told the Advertiser: “As an owner of three cats myself, I understand the Catfe’s concerns about any distress their cats may experience due to having a dog groomers close by.
“However, as I work by an appointment only basis and will have a waiting area in my salon, I am confident my clients will not have any need to wait outside the premises, potentially causing a disruption to the cats.
“Furthermore, I have known my customers for many years, all of which are responsible owners who will be sure to pick up after their dogs should they mess outside.
“Finally, I take steps in my business to minimise noise wherever I can, and due to not sharing a wall with the Andover Catfe, I am sure any noise will not be heard from inside the cafe.”
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community – a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2025. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW | 01676637 |
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
