A proposal to transform the former Style Nails salon at 6 Winchester Street, Andover, into a new branch of the dog grooming business Barks ‘N’ Bubbles has sparked a debate within the local community.
The application, seeking a change of use for the building, aims to repurpose the space into a dog grooming salon. However, it has met with opposition from the nearby Andover Catfe, whose owner, Stuart Waue, has raised concerns about the potential impact on the café’s feline residents.
In his objection, Waue states: “As the proprietor of the neighbouring Andover Catfe, I hereby object to this property being used for dog grooming adjacent to our Cat Cafe.”
He elaborates, explaining that the Catfe’s calming atmosphere, designed for visitors to enjoy the company of cats, could be disrupted by the noise from dogs at the grooming salon. “Agitated dogs making a lot of noise will upset our cats and create unnecessary stress for them and our visitors,” Waue adds. He also worries that the increased presence of dogs in the area could lead to more dog waste and disturbances, especially with potential customers waiting outside the café with their dogs.
While acknowledging the importance of supporting small businesses, Waue expresses concern that the dog grooming salon might negatively affect the Catfe, which he says attracts visitors from outside the town. He also points out that the proposed change of use contradicts the Test Valley Borough Council’s 2016 Local Plan, which discourages consecutive non-shop uses in the area.
As of now, Waue’s objection remains the only one submitted against the dog grooming salon. In contrast, 24 comments have been submitted in support of the proposal. Among the supporters is Donna Whatley, who believes that the dog grooming salon could actually benefit the local economy. “A lot of dog owners will wander into town for coffee or browse other shops while their dogs are being groomed, potentially leading to more sales for other businesses,” she writes.
Whatley also disputes concerns about noise, stating that dogs usually enjoy their grooming sessions and are unlikely to be agitated. She notes that the salon and the Catfe do not share a wall, and there is a stairway leading to an Indian restaurant between the two businesses, which would further reduce any potential noise disturbance.
Another supporter, Donna Bell, expresses full backing for the proposal, highlighting the success of Amber Cooper’s business and the positive reputation she has built with her customers. Bell emphasizes the opportunity for a local small business to set up in the town centre.
The planning application, 24/02985/FULLN, is available for public viewing and comment on the Test Valley Borough Council’s planning portal.
Amber Cooper, owner of Barks ‘N’ Bubbles, addressed the concerns raised by the Catfe. “As an owner of three cats myself, I understand their concerns about potential distress caused by the proximity of a dog groomers,” she said. However, she reassured that her business operates on an appointment-only basis, with a waiting area inside the salon, so clients will not be left outside to cause disruptions.
Cooper further emphasized that her clients are responsible dog owners who would clean up after their pets. She also reassured that she takes steps to minimize noise in her salon, and due to the lack of shared walls between the two businesses, she believes any noise would not carry into the Catfe.
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