Eltham neighbours in fight over cattery in back garden (From News Shopper)
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Eltham neighbours in fight over cattery in Leysdown Road back garden
9:14am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News By Sarah Trotter
Some residents are concerned about a cattery to be built in an Eltham back garden
NEIGHBOURS are embroiled in a cat fight after an application for an animal home in an Eltham back garden was given the go-ahead.
Opinion is divided over a cattery which will house around eight felines at the back of a property in Leysdown Road.
Some residents fear the ‘miaows’ and stench of urine will be a source of irritation while others are fully behind the ‘cat chalet’ plans.
Cattery owner Lorraine Mansfield says caring for the creatures is her "passion" and that the campaign against the proposal has been like a "witch hunt".
Ms Mansfield said: "I have won legally through the system.
"We just want to get on with our own lives and get on with my passion.
"There were lots of neighbours for it.
"One said it has been a witch hunt against me."
There were 41 responses in favour and 45 against during the consultation period before plans were approved by planning chiefs at Greenwich Council on September 26.
Next-door neighbour Sarah Morgan is angry at the planning tribunal’s decision which she says left people fuming.
The 20-year-old said: "It is the smell and the congestion people are worried about.
"The smell of cats’ urine is one thing they can’t stand - cats away from their owners, locked in a cage.
"That is why these places are on farms - so they can roam around.
"I love dogs. I don’t mind that but not this in your back garden."
The housing officer recently moved into the property with her parents and says the building will rise five inches above their fence and will be seen from their garden.
Ms Morgan said: "Mum has terminal cancer and the last thing she needs is this.
"It is a breach of privacy as customers can look over the fence."
Ms Mansfield reassured residents saying cats would be fed early to minimise cries and their litter trays would be changed professionally so there would be no smell.
She added: "We think it is an exciting project and we can’t wait to be up and running and serving our community and caring for the cats which is the most important thing."
Comments(71)
Howly
says...
10:18am Tue 2 Oct 12
oreisl
says...
10:26am Tue 2 Oct 12
I'm sure anyone who loves cats enough to set up a cattery will not allow the neighbourhood to be awash with cat urine! I am sure there will someone from the authorities visiting to check on such things.
Why not congratulate someone trying to set up a business. If it was next door to me I would be round there helping! Sadly Ms Morgan surely knows there are more important things in life to worry about.
the wall
says...
10:57am Tue 2 Oct 12
So there you go she loves dogs and not cats.
NIMBY!
Guess who ;) AGAIN !
says...
11:09am Tue 2 Oct 12
What's the odds Morgan is the one in Uggs ??
Half the road will now be curtain twitchers now, if they already weren't.
the wall
says...
1:12pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34
says...
1:29pm Tue 2 Oct 12
I am not wearing any ugg boots, and saying that you can tell I'm from
Mottingham when no.34 is in Mottingham and you are all relatives or friends of Ms Mansfield.
My father went to talk to Mr Mansfield who seemed to want to get on with his life, and just got verbal abuse from Ms Mansfield (a fully grown woman).
We thought that when we moved we had moved into a nice area but clearly not. We got on with no.34 until this issue was raised. They have tried to put a sign outside saying thanks for the support, when only a few neighbours were in favour. These neighbours have caused a big disruption within the community and made it an unpleased place to live. They have also tried to put up sly advertisement which is not allowed.
If you are in our garden our fence is very low and you would not need to go on your tip toes to see over!
Please get all of your facts right, just because Ms Mansfield has got her friends to comment, I'm sure no one would want to live next door to awful neighbours with vial mouths including a smelling cattery!
Kind Regards
Tinker Bell
says...
1:36pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Yes it was a witch hunt! All local residents got letters encourging them to complain about it from the immediate neighbours.
I never complained.
Leysdown Road is a wide road with lots of parking - there are some restrictions - but only between 3 - 4.30 - the house has off street parking.
They are not taking in 100's of cats.
Well Done to Mrs Mansfield - I hope you business is a great success and you have the support of lots of your neighbours.
Observantagent
says...
1:40pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34
says...
2:02pm Tue 2 Oct 12
motres
says...
3:11pm Tue 2 Oct 12
It is heartening to hear from someone who lives nearby to a cattery that it hasn't had any impact on their area despite their neighbour being able to advertise outside their house. This is something that I gather Ms Mansfield will not be allowed to do.
Surely what might be better, now that Ms Mansfield has won her Planning Proposal to run a Cattery, is for her to take a little time to re-assure her neighbours that she will run it with the minimum impact on them and that if they do have any problems they can she will be happy to try and resolve them. I am sure that don't all want to continue living at loggerheads.
Then perhaps Leysdown Road can go back to a peaceful existence.
Gypo.Joe
says...
3:20pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mrs Mansfield needs to get half a dozen chickens and a big old rooster now.
Cocka Doodleeeeeeeee Doo at 4 am every morning.
;)
idiots34
says...
3:23pm Tue 2 Oct 12
the wall
says...
3:27pm Tue 2 Oct 12
For example the toilet smell is easy to control cat litter has moved on since the 1970's
Silica gel litter, often referred to as "crystal litter", is a porous granular form of sodium silicate, has the highest absorbency of any litter, and has excellent moisture control and complete odor elimination for an extended period of time compared to other litters.
idiots34
says...
3:32pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Unless you are Ms Mansfield or a friend how would you know she will be using such products?
idiots34
says...
3:34pm Tue 2 Oct 12
the wall
says...
3:38pm Tue 2 Oct 12
"cats away from their owners",- That's how it works.
"locked in a cage" - as opposed to what ?
"That is why these places are on farms - so they can roam around" Really! Yeah that would work. Just let the cats out to walk around in a place they don't know. Bright comment!
General Disclaimer (Again):
I have not met the cat loving people in this life on any of my other 9 lives and if they wish to give cats loving home while the slaves go on holiday well done to them. I think this is perrrfect.
Power to the Paws!
the wall
says...
3:43pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34 wrote:Please point out were I said she will be using this product........ That's right I didn't. Go put on you're tinfoil hat.
Further to my comments if Ms Mansfield was a mature lady then she would have spoken to the neighbours personally to reasure us of these comments. Instead of giving neighbours verbal abuse. Unless you are Ms Mansfield or a friend how would you know she will be using such products?
Or just keep reporting the comments you don't like. Because it hasn't gone your way.
Gypo.Joe
says...
4:01pm Tue 2 Oct 12
ThAnk yOu
j.j.
says...
5:14pm Tue 2 Oct 12
bizzymum
says...
5:40pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Some people need to get a grip. Don't worry NS monitor - I'll remove my own post!
Gypo.Joe
says...
5:48pm Tue 2 Oct 12
until the cheque clears, and if it aint nailed down it will go missing. Could be worse could be the old Grevilles moving in. ( saracasm NS monitor )
Now half a dozen cats dont seem so bad now do it.....well do it punks.
It's Me again !
says...
6:53pm Tue 2 Oct 12
And to the neighbours......get a life and stop being so blooming silly
MRS MANSFIELD
says...
7:20pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Firstly, all of the plans for the cattery including design and access statements have been available to view online on the Greenwich Planning website since the application was first submitted. Also, information packs were created and distributed to every house in Leysdown Road, explaining how the cattery would be run, and offered for any concerned neighbours to approach me in order to reassure their concerns (to which no one decided to approach me to voice any concerns).
The council received forty one letters in support of the cattery.
My back garden is one hundred and twenty foot in length, and will have new fencing erected, which will be six foot and six inches in height, tall enough to conceal the cattery, and provide ample privacy to both myself and my neighbours.
The cattery will be inspected on an annual basis by the council to ensure that it is regulated and kept to a high standard in order to achieve it's yearly licence.
I currently own six cats and two dogs, and yet my garden is clean from any faeces, as this is an area for my nine year old son to play, and obviously, I don't want to live in a home where the garden smells of cat urine.
The cats will be kept in their chalets at all times, as if they were allowed to roam in an unfamilar area, they would certainly get lost. The cattery has an exercise facility in order that the cats aren't "caged" up all day.
The congestion on the road will not become an issue as there is space on my drive to fit six vehicles.
As clearly posted on this article, the "advertisement" is actually a thank you sign for the forty one neighbours who have supported me with my application, and there is NO mention of the cattery or ANY advertising on this board.
Being described as "vial" (adj: vile) towards my neighbours, I would like to defend myself in saying that declining an "offer" of "burying the hatchet" after four months of stress and upset caused by my neighbours would be quite a reasonable thing to do. I am sure that if the proposal had of been declined, they would not be so eager to bury the hatchet.
Gypo.Joe, I would love to accept the offer to board your brood, but unfortunately, I know that my neighbours will scrutinise my every move, so I am afraid it is only your cats that I will be able to board. Poor old Doris will have to go and roam on a farm.
Kind regards
Gypo.Joe
says...
7:46pm Tue 2 Oct 12
As it happens just by chance I am friends with one of your neighbours ( Tinkerbell ) and she has told me all about the witch hunt against you.
Good luck, its nice to see a bit of free enterprise from someone.
PS if ya ever need a bit of tarmac done Gypo Joe is ya guy. ;)
idiots34
says...
8:16pm Tue 2 Oct 12
catlover32
says...
8:27pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34
says...
8:32pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Keep your nose out
says...
8:32pm Tue 2 Oct 12
catlover32
says...
8:38pm Tue 2 Oct 12
IHateSpongers
says...
8:40pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34
says...
8:48pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Right it's not that I have nothing against the thought of catterys, it's that I don't want to live next to one. I understand they want this as a business it's not that I have an issue with. It's just a joke to see ms Mansfield giving verbal abuse to my family, when there is no need for this she is a fully grown woman. If she had just came round and told us everything up front then it wouldn't have come to this. It has become a joke, and has decided what used to be a nice street.
I can't be bothered with all of these pathetic little comments, I need to get on with my life and not worry about silly little comments on a website!
What's new pussycat
says...
9:02pm Tue 2 Oct 12
idiots34
says...
9:05pm Tue 2 Oct 12
catlover32
says...
9:09pm Tue 2 Oct 12
IHateSpongers
says...
9:11pm Tue 2 Oct 12
mummy and daddy
says...
9:34pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Tiddles1
says...
10:19pm Tue 2 Oct 12
mummy and daddy
says...
11:00pm Tue 2 Oct 12
the wall
says...
9:51am Wed 3 Oct 12
idiots34 wrote:Strong in irony this one is.
Oh how neighbours are funny... Sitting on the fence... I would like to hear what neighbours on leysdown are for this? And not just silly comments on a website hiding behind a silly user name!
Guess who ;) AGAIN !
says...
11:06am Wed 3 Oct 12
Look on the bright side think of the money you will all save in Christmas cards and postage.
Meeeeeooooowwww !!
Tinker Bell
says...
12:11pm Wed 3 Oct 12
I am glad that the planning application went through.
I have no idea why so many objections were put up against Mrs Mansfield and I certainly did not agree with the stirring up amongst other neighbours.
Good Luck :o)
j.j.
says...
12:29pm Wed 3 Oct 12
bizzymum wrote:Please let me explain: the neighbours are claiming that this is going cause congestion. In reality this will be probably 10 cars per day, so nothing to complain about if you compare it to the much bigger congestion problem jsut around the corner. Secondly, neighbours and others seem to find this cattery the biggest problem in Eltham, judging by the number of comments. In reality, the rephasing of lights in Kidbrooke is likely to have a much bigger negative impact on the quality of their lives and the value of their properties.
Ok, We have Ugg boots (dodgy ones) and now reprogramming of traffic lights. What in God's teeth has this got to do with just 8 cats? Some people need to get a grip. Don't worry NS monitor - I'll remove my own post!
MRS MANSFIELD
says...
12:53pm Wed 3 Oct 12
I am going to post a copy of all the information I gave to the local ward councillors who made the decision to allow the cattery to go ahead.
I would also like to point out that this application was brought to the attention of both the highways department and the enviromental health, whom neither had any concerns about the impact the cattery will have on the community.
The council also fully supported my application and when I had to stand up and plea for my cattery against the neighbours nominated "professional" to speak at the public committee meeting the vote went in my favour! If this was such a awful thing I am bringing to the neighbourhood, why did all these departments support me!
I would also like to point out that most people go away for either a week or two, so they will be calling at the cattery once a week maybe two weeks!. As there are only 8 chalets and people's holidays would probably begin on different dates there would probably be only be one or two visitors to the cattery per day!
Please read my cattery information below, this should reassure any uncertain people that this cattery will be run very proffesionally and to a high standard!
Our aim is to achieve a modern, clean, quiet and secure eight chalet cattery, to be situated within a landscaped setting, which will be well screened from neighboring properties.
Each chalet will provide its own exercise area, and there will also be a separate larger exercise area for individual use, along with secure food storage and a kitchen area.
There is an isolation area for any cats that are taken ill whilst being boarded at the cattery.
There is a secure safety corridor with internal and external door, preventing any escape from the cattery. At no point during their boarding period will cats be allowed out of the cattery.
The scale of the proposed cattery will be a fairly low rise timber construction, with a sloping roof towards the boundaries, The ground will be leveled flat to lower the overall height of the cattery. There will be a large space between the rear of the enclosure and the boundaries, allowing generous room for landscaping and screening.
The landscaping will incorporate hardy palms, climbing plants, standard bay trees and compact bamboo plus a range of herbs to provide not only pleasant aesthetics and scents, but to provide all year round coverage. The cattery and the landscaping will be well maintained and kept neat and tidy. New fencing will be erected to provide privacy and security to both the cattery and the immediate neighbours.
The cattery will produce commercial refuse and we have a proposed contract in place with SRCL waste disposal services, as used by the NHS.
The collection with them will be done on a contractual basis once weekly in a sealed container, which will be stored until collection day in the exercise area of the cattery. This will provide a responsible and bona fide disposal of the waste produced.
The hours of the business will be normal office hours (9am-5pm between Monday and Friday, and Saturday mornings only. Closed Sundays and bank holidays). Any boarding due to end on a non working day will be carried over the next working day.
There will be scheduled appointments for owners ensuring that not more than one deposit/collection will occur at any time, plus a collection/delivery service will be offered, keeping visits to the cattery to a bare minimum.
The cattery is for owners wishing to board their animals whilst away and not for any quarantine purposes.
Supplies for the cattery will mainly be made from wholesalers, to minimize any deliveries to the cattery.
The cattery will have annual inspections from the London Borough of Greenwich and must be kept within their standards to receive the annual license to board animals.
Every day running of the cattery will be to a high specification, making sure that meticulous cleaning routines are followed, thus preventing any unpleasant smells escaping from the cattery.
Litter trays will be emptied and sanitized at the start of every day and trays soiled throughout the day are to be removed and fresh ones provided. The litter we will be using has an absorbance rate of 700 times its own weight and has total odour control; it is also 100% biodegradable and made from natural plant fibers.
We will be using an environmentally friendly disinfectant cleaner which is recommended for high risk disinfection of organisms in dirty conditions, it is also an bactericidal, fungicidal, veridical and sporicidal and has been tested and proven under EN test protocols in dirty conditions. Anigene disinfectant also has a pleasant lemon smell. This has been recommended by the Feline Advisory Bureau.
Food will be stored in secure containers in the food store and any uneaten left over foods will be taken away and disposed of shortly after meal times, not only to prevent an odours but also to eliminate vermin and flies.
We currently have a HACCP certification through current employment, therefore we know about the physical, chemical and biological hazards which could be present, and how to prevent them through hazard analysis, hygiene and sanitation routines.
The cattery will be connected to the main electrical supply to our house, which means that there will be no need for noisy electrical generators, thus reducing any noise pollution.
The cattery will have a concrete base which is to be hosed down on a daily basis and drainage will be directly into the mains drainage system. Any foul water from the cattery will not become a soil pollutant to the immediate area and surrounding areas as any wastage will go in to the main drainage system.
The cattery will be vented at roof level to promote a natural air flow, which eliminates the need for noisy air conditioning units.
We have an appointed vet to give advice, support and treatments should this become necessary, Dr Patrick Dooley DVM, MRVCS, who will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cats will only be accepted for boarding providing owners have evidence that the cats has been neutered, wormed and treated against fleas.
Cats which have not been neutered are not permitted due to their “calling” for a mate.
Cats from different homes will never come into contact or sight of each other (in order to prevent cross contamination) but this will also stop any cat warring and hissing, helping to keep noise to a minimum.
The use of pheromone plug in diffusers will be used for any cats which are unsettled making them more relaxed and comfortable.
The cattery will have natural daylight (season permitting) and when necessary it will have low energy lighting during opening hours then it will be dark once closed. This will help to induce the cats to sleep throughout the night. Our aim is to keep minimal disturbance to our neighbours at all times.
We think the cattery will be beneficial for our community as it is the only one in our local area, and it will provide a much needed service which is safe, clean and secure. Offering a collection and delivery service will help elderly and disabled people, and also those without any transportation. Cat owners will not have to rely on others to enter their homes or to feed their cats outside, providing owners with peace of mind that not only will their homes remain secure in their absence, but that their cats will be looked after in a professional and safe manner. This also prevents the cat from feeling distressed as they will not feel abandoned.
The cattery will be promoted using a website, local media and recommendation.
I have been advised by Cockburns Estate Agents on Mottingham Road that running a cattery from my property will not have any adverse affects on my neighbour’s property prices
Please let me know if you think there was anything more I could have done to be a more considerate neighbour!
ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HAS/IS SUPPORTING US!
Also we will be going live on face book very soon please friends add "Cat Haven"
local65
says...
2:26pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Tiddles1
says...
4:51pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Nobody likes to see a group of people gang up against an individual and their family.
Fortunately the decision has been made by Greenwich Council, based on fact, not emotion. Perhaps those people who felt so strongly against the idea of a cattery in Leysdown Road, might now feel they cannot continue to live near it.
What a loss to our community they would be!!
Marty1979
says...
7:11pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Try looking up NIMBY
bizzymum
says...
8:05pm Wed 3 Oct 12
j.j. wrote:j.j. please can you tell me what medication you are on - I'd like some of the same. In return, I'll send you a pair of Ugg boots (dodgy of course!)
bizzymum wrote:Please let me explain: the neighbours are claiming that this is going cause congestion. In reality this will be probably 10 cars per day, so nothing to complain about if you compare it to the much bigger congestion problem jsut around the corner. Secondly, neighbours and others seem to find this cattery the biggest problem in Eltham, judging by the number of comments. In reality, the rephasing of lights in Kidbrooke is likely to have a much bigger negative impact on the quality of their lives and the value of their properties.
Ok, We have Ugg boots (dodgy ones) and now reprogramming of traffic lights. What in God's teeth has this got to do with just 8 cats? Some people need to get a grip. Don't worry NS monitor - I'll remove my own post!
10 cars per day? Its a cattery for 8 cats not a day care centre. People put cats in catteries when they go on holiday not when they just pop out for a bit.
Pop a pill and go back to watching the traffic lights.
By the way, I don't know Mrs Mansfield either. Best of luck in your new venture.
piglet2011
says...
8:09pm Wed 3 Oct 12
I'm afraid cat haters come out in force but as a nation of animal lovers the cats will win.
I would suggest that those who are so concerned about the smell of cat urine should start cleaning the streets of human urine which is far more of a problem.
When will this cattery open? I am looking forward to booking my cat in.
Gypo.Joe
says...
8:14pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Me and the old lady loved are 'olidays dahn Leysdahn yurs ago so we shud feel right at 'ome.
Looking forward to joining the residents asociation, the chrismas do will be a right old beer up from now on. Once I get to singing wiv me teef out I'll liven any do up let me tell ya.
Joee G
mummy and daddy
says...
10:35pm Wed 3 Oct 12
,
mummy and daddy
says...
10:43pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Marty1979
says...
6:44am Thu 4 Oct 12
Tiddles1 wrote:wonder if the ones running a business have advised the council?
The neighbours who have stirred up the most negativity towards this proposed business have only lived in this road for 5 minutes. One set have cars parked outside their house, constantly coming and going and running a business from their home. The others have moved in to make a killing on a property and then plan to move on. What difference would it make to them. Hypocrites or what!!
And I saw that the protestors had a "proffessional" to plead thier case! It's only a cattery, not the Heathrow expansion
What next - an appeal to the high court?
MRS MANSFIELD
says...
8:37am Thu 4 Oct 12
I checked with "just yell" how many businesses were running from home in my area, 10 were registered running from homes in Leysdown road whilst a total of 72 from homes within a one mile radius(excluding the local shops)!! Funnily enough these particular neighbours business was not registered!
Think its time they all move on to their next target! Maybe they should now focus on the neighbour who watches "adult" films with no curtains at his windows, but then they wont as he is one of their "clicky" group!(Gypo.Jo I know your going to have a field day with that!!!)
the wall
says...
9:38am Thu 4 Oct 12
MRS MANSFIELD wrote:adult films......What number ? They could just be 'art' films.
Marty1979 you couldnt be more right! I checked with "just yell" how many businesses were running from home in my area, 10 were registered running from homes in Leysdown road whilst a total of 72 from homes within a one mile radius(excluding the local shops)!! Funnily enough these particular neighbours business was not registered! Think its time they all move on to their next target! Maybe they should now focus on the neighbour who watches "adult" films with no curtains at his windows, but then they wont as he is one of their "clicky" group!(Gypo.Jo I know your going to have a field day with that!!!)
these particular neighbours - Are you sure they are not dealing drugs?
piglet2011
says...
11:58am Thu 4 Oct 12
I can't wait till the grand opening.
Gypo.Joe
says...
7:41pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Nah naughty fillums is it, I hope its not the old gent playing pocket billiards in the photo.
mummy and daddy
says...
7:51pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Gypo.Joe
says...
8:24pm Thu 4 Oct 12
I need to come rund and 'ave a butchers meself, only in the interest of me research of course.
MRS MANSFIELD
says...
8:30am Fri 5 Oct 12
Some folk really need to take themselves in hand and leave others to follow their own particular passions!
mummy and daddy
says...
9:49am Fri 5 Oct 12
Oldchap
says...
5:09pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Marty1979
says...
6:48pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Wonder if any are running a business (avoiding business rates) and also claiming some sort of benefit
Marty1979
says...
9:16am Sat 6 Oct 12
idiots34 wrote:so "idiots34" is not a silly user name?
Oh how neighbours are funny... Sitting on the fence... I would like to hear what neighbours on leysdown are for this? And not just silly comments on a website hiding behind a silly user name!
treesrgreen
says...
12:53am Sun 7 Oct 12
The people who want to run this proposed cattery are not going to leave litter trays uncleaned for weeks on end.
For god's sake people, get a life. We are talking about a few cats who are seeking a better life with someone to care for them.
Ms Morgan and fellow moaning neighbours, there are far worse things to worry about - try speaking to Ms Mansfield so that you have a clear idea of what she is hoping to do.
Believe me, you could do a lot worse than have a few cats living next door to you!!!
mummy and daddy
says...
1:18pm Sun 7 Oct 12
born n breed
says...
11:55am Mon 8 Oct 12
Gypo.Joe
says...
12:18pm Mon 8 Oct 12
Tell us more born and breed please.
born n breed
says...
1:50pm Mon 8 Oct 12
LOL - Gypo.Joe. I watch mine on the internet (been in a few as well).
Marty1979
says...
5:55pm Mon 8 Oct 12
born n breed wrote:Give us the titles so we can see what you look like
Sorry that should read give it a rest.
LOL - Gypo.Joe. I watch mine on the internet (been in a few as well).
MRS MANSFIELD
says...
7:59am Tue 9 Oct 12
You do know it's **** cats i'm boarding right!!!!
lord righteous says...
10:00am Tue 2 Oct 12
The 20-year-old said: "It is the smell and the congestion people are worried about. "
Get a bl@@dy life,its 8 cats.How much can they pee and how many cars are going to turn up causing congestion?
NIMBY moaner.
Ms Morgan said: "Mum has terminal cancer and the last thing she needs is this.
"It is a breach of privacy as customers can look over the fence."
So can your neighbour already see over the fence,if they can what has the cattery got to do with it,the fence hasn't changed and the cattery hasn't altered anything?
Although your mothers plight is sad,what has her illness got to do with it?
The cattery is going to be 5 inches above the fence and by the look of it it is quite a high fence.
People are only going to be able to see over it if they stand on tip toes next to it.
Why would anyone WANT too look over anyway,they are picking up or dropping off a cat not spying for the council.