If I come back in another life, I have a dream I’d like to return as a cat and I’d be living in Shropshire.
Why? Because when my owners go on holiday, they could book me into the Tudor House Luxury Cat Hotel.
Here I would enjoy the luxury of a large room to myself, with two bunks, the higher-level one for looking out at fellow residents and the other when I just want to sit in peace and quiet, snuggled up beside the radiator.
And I’d have a handmade scratching pole for when I needed to sharpen my claws.
But then I wake up and, horror of horrors, the Tudor Cat Hotel has been shut down by the nasty Mr Gove and his Planning Inspector, Mr Cooper.
Why? Because it’s in the Green Belt. This low-lying ground-floor structure, surrounded by trees, might disturb some of the views. And that’s more or less it.
Never mind that the cattery (ooops Hotel) is next to a Grade II listed farmhouse – but the Inspector was not at all concerned about that. Try knocking it down to improve the views and see what happens.
The government says that rural employment is vital and should be encouraged – a point made by a certain Mr Clarkson. After all, cats are animals and farming is a legitimate use.
The main point of the Green Belt is to prevent urban sprawl – not to stop cats sprawling themselves in front of their radiators.
About 10 per cent of Shropshire is in the Green Belt, so there are plenty of other mews, sorry, views.
So, let’s have an outbreak of common sense and not only review the Green Belt but all the conditions that surround its protection.
The Inspector and the Planning Offices are only following guidance that’s grown out of control.
The Hotel – don’t call it a cattery – was originally occupied by chicken coops and maybe that’s why Mr COOPer rejected the appeal.
Have a good weekend
Tom (Cat)
by the Planning PR guru 