Plans have been submitted for a 40-pen cattery at Brownlow Heath Farm near Congleton.

Sally Dabbs, who has run Fatcats Cattery in Congleton for 18 years, has applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to change the use of land at Brownlow Heath Farm, Childs Lane, from a residential garden to a cattery business.

It would involve demolishing an existing garage and constructing a 40-pen cattery building and new double garage to the rear of the existing dwelling as well as associated landscaping works.

A design and access statement, submitted by Hough Architecture Ltd on behalf of the applicant, states: "The proposal aims to create a facility that meets the growing demand for pet boarding services while enhancing the local environment."

It says the business has been recognised as a five-star cattery and has continuously invested in supporting the local community and developing opportunities within the animal care sector.

"Fatcats Cattery has a longstanding partnership with Reaseheath College, offering rare and valuable student placements in animal care.

"These placements help students gain vital hands-on experience and improve their prospects for future employment within the industry," states the planning document.

The application site is situated to the rear of the existing dwelling at Brownlow Heath Farm in Brownlow.

The planning document says the property benefits from an established access via Childs Lane, which can adequately handle the anticipated traffic increase resulting from the proposed cattery operations.

The lead local flood authority (LLFA) has objected because of the lack of a detailed and suitable sustainable surface water management scheme.

It says its objection may be removed following the provision of a suitable sustainable drainage strategy.

One local resident has written in support of the application saying: "This looks to be an excellent idea and not so different to the original use of the site as a farm."

The application, number 25/4198/FUL, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for submitting comments is December 3.