Planners have refused an application for a boarding cattery in a Fenland village, despite a plea that its presence would have little or no impact on neighbours. Welland Timber Products Ltd applied for a two-storey building for use as a cattery at Fen Farm

Planners have refused an application for a boarding cattery in a Fenland village, despite a plea that its presence would have little or no impact on neighbours.

Welland Timber Products Ltd applied for a two-storey building for use as a cattery at Fen Farm Bungalow, Squires Drove, Three Holes.

The company said with many catteries being forced to close because of tough licensing laws, this was an ideal location.

"The site has ample room to accommodate a nine-unit cattery without taking up most of the garden," the company said. "Boarding catteries should not be considered in the same context as boarding kennels in terms of noise and smell. There is little or no noise from a cattery as cats are, by nature, generally quiet and contented animals, particularly if they are well cared for."

West Norfolk Borough Council rejected the application.