PLANNING permission is being sought for a new purpose-built cattery in Levens.

The 75-square-metre building, which will be built alongside existing dog kennels at Moss Lea, Bridgend, will accommodate up to ten cats if permission is granted.

The plans have been submitted to South Lakeland District Council by kennel owner, Bev White, who says the cattery will generate ‘a small increase’ in the number of vehicles travelling to and from the site each day.

But planning documents say visitor drop-off and pick-up times will be spread throughout the opening hours, as they are with the current kennel facility, so any risk of congestion on the highway ‘is not anticipated’ Documents continue: “The existing kennels and proposed cattery businesses are to be solely staffed by the applicant, and so, there will be no increase in staff numbers or vehicle movements.”

The building work could see 10 individual cat units installed, along with a kitchen and storage room.

The area currently accommodates a static caravan, which is to be removed.

The Highway Authority, Levens Parish Council and Natural England have all been consulted over the plans but none raised any objections.

“This application is in close proximity to the Morecambe Bay, Whitbarrow and Foulshaw Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),” said Annmarie Williams, from Natural England.

“However, given the nature and scale of this proposal, Natural England is satisfied that the proposed development being carried out in strict accordance with the details of the application, as submitted, will not damage or destroy the interest features for which this site has been notified.”