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Catio and planning permission doubt.

12 replies

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/05/2022 15:20

As the title really! I’m finally in a position to move home, to a near cat perfect property. But, my cats are either indoor cats or are used to going outside on a lead. Both of which are fine and could continue.
However I would like to offer them freedom outside, hence the catio. (House in a trading estate area on a busy road so free roaming not an option and they’ve never done so).
My doubt is this - do I need planning permission? The catio would be at the rear of a mid terrace, I own the boundary fences, all over 6ft high. The catio would be two sided and around 7ft high with post and wire mesh sides. Foot print of 4foot x 6 foot
the same as a pergola. Was thinking of one with a plastic roof but happy to just have a wire mesh roof. It would definitely be smaller than permitted building extension size.
I don’t want to be that neighbour, but the whole point of this house purchase- is my cats safety and welfare and happiness!!

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Asimhereanyway · 08/05/2022 16:12

No, it’s a temporary structure so no planning permission needed. It’s not like you are extending the footprint of your actual property.

Fluffycloudland77 · 08/05/2022 16:16

I’d get a plastic roof though, so they can still go out in the rain.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/05/2022 16:23

Thank you@Asimhereanyway ! Somehow I’ve these doubts in my head nice to know I should listen to them and why!
@Fluffycloudland77 That was my thinking! and then wondered if a roof made it a permanent structure 😳.

thank you both for nuking my wobble!

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Allergictoironing · 08/05/2022 16:55

Pretty sure you don't, as it would be the same as a covered patio just with nettingaround the sides.

But if you phone the district/borough council that covers the new house, you can check with them?

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/05/2022 17:11

@Allergictoironing the council will not respond to telephone or email enquires, but I can pay to out in an application to find out ….. £400
I was thinking it is no different to me putting a pergola up outside my kitchen door and trailing roses up attached trellises… (which would
be fine?) and then started to over think and wonder if it would actually be classed as a porch, albeit at the rear of the property.? Then discovered the 8foot rule and wondered if that would make it all ok…..

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AndrewPreview · 08/05/2022 19:53

Im currently looking into getting a catio, as ours is now an indoor cat. The only planning issues I've seen in the news (from just googling about catios in general) have been large ones that have been put at the front of houses or in conservation areas.

Fluffycloudland77 · 08/05/2022 19:55

It’ll be fine. It’s not like your cats will be out in a hot tub drinking cocktails and making a racket is it?

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/05/2022 20:16

@AndrewPreview yes I saw that! Possibly where my doubts originate.
Researching catios has become my addiction, there are some fabulous ones out there. I’ve more ideas for the catio than I do for inside the house.
@Fluffycloudland77 🤣🤣 they are more the snoring loudly in the sun whilst wearing a knitted handkerchief, whilst waiting for fishy dinners to be served.

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coffeecupsandfairylights · 08/05/2022 23:18

There was an episode of that nightmare neighbours show on Channel 5 where a couple installed a Catio without permission and it ended up in a huge argument with the council getting involved due to the size and location of the structure.

It may be worth double checking just in case.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 08/05/2022 23:26

@coffeecupsandfairylights Think I’ve seen it - but it was adjacent to the raid being on the side of a terrace and impeded road users sight line? Plus was enormous (£10k+). I’m thinking if a somewhat more modest 4’ x 6 ‘ and under £500! Think more pergola size, tucked inside two walls (l shape of extension) and a fence behind a mid terrace home. I don’t have anyone crossing over my garden either so no r.o.w to impede.

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coffeecupsandfairylights · 08/05/2022 23:35

Sounds like yours shouldn't be an issue then!

Theirs was ridiculous tbh 🤣

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 09/05/2022 00:44

@coffeecupsandfairylights It was more of a lion enclosure😂
yep I think I’m over thinking it.

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