Council must 'paws' for thought after planning application for a catio in Sutton

Catios are purpose-built, outdoor enclosures designed to provide a safe environment for cats to enjoy fresh air and mental stimulation while staying healthy and safe. They can be as small as a cat window-box or as large as an outdoor playpen.

Now a plan has been lodged with the Ashfield authority for a catio by Sutton resident Ann Fox above the existing garage roof at her home on Abington Avenue.

In her application, Mrs Fox says work started on the catio in August but has not yet been completed. She wants to “amend the front and retain the enclosure”.

It would be constructed of brick walls with uPVC cladding, uPVC doors and windows and a concrete-tiled roof.

Full plans, complete with detailed drawings, have been submitted on her behalf by the property company, Newbridge Developments Ltd, of Chesterfield, which specialises in the construction of commercial buildings.

Catios originated in the USA, where they are extremely popular, but are now catching on in the UK. Pet cats can access them via a cat-flap or even via a tunnel leading from inside the owner’s home.

An expert at ‘Catster’ magazine said: “If your cat sits longingly on the window sill or always makes an escape attempt at your door, it might be a sign that they need a catio.

"They can spend time in a catio and feel the breeze through their fur or enjoy the sun without being able to wander off.”

The council’s planning officers will make a decision or recommendation on the scheme in the coming weeks.

Other planning applications received by Ashfield Council include these:

143 Stoneyford Road, Sutton – demolish side extension and construct new one with first-floor dormer.

Central Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Lowmoor Road, Kirkby – three dormer windows and associated internal alterations.

Parlkhouse, Forest Road, Sutton – felling of lime tree protected by preservation order.

1A Springwood View Close, Sutton – conversion of carport into single-storey front extension, with new window and door layout at front.

3 Hankin Avenue, Underwood – felling of oak tree protected by preservation order.

17 Oak Tree Close, Sutton – installation of air source heat pump at rear.