A proposal was put to Adur District Council's development control committee on Monday, January 5, for a cattery on a "backland" area north-east of 81 Downland Avenue.

More than 20 residents from Millcroft Avenue, Downland Avenue and Overhill wrote to the council, objecting to the plans before Monday's meeting.

Mr Laxton, of Millcroft Gardens, said: "It backs onto everyone's gardens, apart from the applicant's.

"We won't be able to use our gardens because of the noise and disturbance from the cats."

Noise

The cat boarding rooms, to house a maximum of 12 cats, would include timber-built rooms, with individual runs accessed from a central walkway.

Peter Metcalfe, councillor for Southwick Green, said: "I think it's very worthy to have a cattery, but I think this is the wrong location for it."

Fellow planning member Pat Beresford said: "The problem is no matter where you put it, it would always be nearer to the neighbours than the applicant."

One person supported the plans at Monday's meeting.

Mr Rogers said: "The only reason for the application is that it's for commercial use.

"Having had cats all my life, they make very little noise."

Smell

Planning officers also received a letter of support for the plans from Poynings Cat Boarder Hotel.

However officers recommended the committee refused the application because of its potential to cause smell and noise and its closeness to neighbouring bungalows.

The committee voted unanimously to refuse planning permission.

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