Success Stories

Maggie Hartney - Cattery

Maggie started on the scheme in October 2003 with a view to opening a cattery. Where she lived had a five dog kennels and the plan was to extend these and add on accommodation for cats. Whilst it sounded a fairly simple process, in fact this was to prove far from the case. Maggie had sent a letter to the planning department as early as mid October 2003 asking for an informal view on the project and the started work on her Business Plan. The Plan Maggie developed in conjunction with her business adviser was to extend the kennels to 10 units and add on 10 units for cats. The cash flow projections and profit forecasts demonstrated that the idea should work and provide Maggie with a reasonable return on her investment.

To cut a long story short, Maggie had to consult with neighbours and the environmental department as well as the planners before being able to submit a formal planning application in April 2004. The "8 week" process was finally completed in October 2004 after a rejection and building work could at last commence. With the bad weather in late 2004 it was not the best time to start the project and eventually the work was completed in April 2005. Maggie worked all hours decorating and cleaning so that the new units were opened for residents on 15th May and were 70% occupied during the Spring Bank holiday period.

Was it worth all the effort and heartache? Maggie says it was - and they are almost fully booked for August this year with lots of bookings for the rest of the year. There is still painting and landscaping to complete and then Maggie wants to get press coverage in the local newspapers to help with the promotion. The kennel/cattery is situated in a beautiful spot above Cragg Vale at Annibutt Lee Farm and often when owners bring their pets to stay they ask to swap places with their animals!

Anyone thinking of taking on a planning project can feel free to ring Maggie on 01422 885487 - you can also book your pets in on that number.