Eltham Gateway: Veterinary practice reveals plans for $75k cattery

Plans for a $75k cattery in the heart of Eltham have been revealed. But neighbours fear cats will escape and attack native animals, “ruining” Eltham’s prized Gateway zone. Here’s what the veterinary practice is proposing.

Eltham Veterinary Practice wants to build a cattery at the back of its clinic.

Eltham neighbours fear a proposed cattery designed to house about 40 felines would “ruin the feel” of the suburb’s beloved Eltham Gateway precinct.

But Eltham Veterinary Practice, which has put forward the idea, assured the cattery at the rear of 644 Main Rd would operate in an existing building and would improve the visual amenity in the area instead.

The $75,000 project would include a six-space carpark and two dwellings in addition to the cattery — one being the caretaker’s residence.

One native tree is slated for removal, as well as a number of fruit trees.

The cattery would operate seven days a week from 8am until 6pm.

A 40-bed cattery has been proposed at Eltham Veterinary Practice.

Neighbour Damon Grant said the development risked commercialising a “charming” area of Eltham.

“We moved into this area for that rural feel, we don’t want to lose the lifestyle we bought into,” he said.

“I’m worried having a cattery and carpark on our doorstep will ruin that for myself and the neighbours.”

Mr Grant said he was also concerned about cats escaping and attacking native wildlife.

“We have echidnas and ringtail possums in our backyard — we just hope the cats are well-secured because we’ve heard stories of this happening to other people who live near catteries.”

Eltham homeowner Leo Scott also said the development would need to respect the “unique feel” of the Eltham Gateway zone.

“As you come over Eltham into that gateway area it’s got that beautiful rural feel and it would be a shame to lose that,” he said.

“As long as the vet’s expansion is not a major eyesore, then that will be okay.”

MORE: WHAT THE VICTORIAN WASTE CRISIS MEANS FOR NILLUMBIK

RATEPAYERS MAY FOOT BILL FOR ‘AMBITIOUS’ $49M ART PLAN

MONTSALVAT’S GRAND PLANS COULD INCLUDE $49M ART GALLERY

Eltham Veterinary’s Dr Gus Braniff said the cattery would involve “minimal external cosmetic changes”.

“There is no new building development,” he said.

“There will need to be some internal changes like installing secure cattery accommodation.

“As part of the development, we are seeking to increase the off-street parking for staff and clients, behind existing buildings. These changes will improve the visual amenity and streetscape of the area.”

Dr Braniff also said secure safety measures would ensure neighbours would not need to worry about cats escaping.

“We have run a veterinary practice at this site for 45 years and have cats staying overnight, sometimes for several days at a time — over this period, we have never had an escaped cat,” he said.

“In line with best practice and the council permit requirements, the proposed cattery will have appropriately secure accommodation for boarding cats.”

The planning application has been submitted to Nillumbik Council who will approve or reject the plan.

[e-mail]