FOUR MARKS — A luxury cattery near Alton is hoping to make its stay permanent after operating under temporary permission for the past three years.
April Carr, owner of Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel in Four Marks, has submitted a planning application for permanent approval of the boutique cat boarding business located in her secluded backyard on Fairfield Green.
The building, measuring 4.34 by 10.98 meters, has served local cat owners since Carr joined the Longcroft franchise — a network of small, high-end catteries — three years ago.
“Longcroft has provided a low-key, high-quality, niche service for cat owners since 2010,” said Abi Purser, founder of Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotels. “We cater to owners who prefer not to use traditional catteries that house large numbers of cats in smaller spaces.”
A statement submitted with the application noted that each customer typically boards their cat four times a year. The hotel structure resembles pens used by animal charities such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross. It features uPVC and glass panels, double-glazed shutters, full insulation, and a heat-reflective roof to ensure a comfortable environment for feline guests.
Waste is collected by a private contractor every other Tuesday, according to the application.
Longcroft currently operates 31 boutique cat hotels across the UK, including in Liphook, Sheffield, Tring, and Bury St Edmunds.
Pet ownership data from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) shows around 12 million cats in the UK, with 19,000 in East Hampshire alone. Despite high ownership rates, the UK has only about 2,000 catteries.
East Hampshire District Council is expected to decide on the application, reference 59097/004, by December 10.
