Andover Catfe submits planning application to retain sign

Andover Catfe, in Winchester Street, received planning permission from Test Valley Borough Council for a sign made out of a painted wood board, on July 19.

However, the application did not include permission for the Catfe logo to be displayed on a hanging projecting sign, or for the shopfront sign to be made of another material, resulting in an 'inspection of the signage' from the council.

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After the inspection, the council concluded that the shopfront sign must be replaced, and an additional planning application submitted to keep the projecting sign, or it would be removed completely. 

The newest application outlines the cafe's plans to keep the sign, as well as paint cat silhouettes on the shop front.

Andover Catfe says the design features are 'appropriate to the building use and doesn't detract from the look of the building' and 'many residents have stated that it compliments it'.

The cafe also says the plans will 'complement the area' and 'better highlight what is inside the building for potential visitors'.

Following the complaint from the council, Andover Catfe received an 'overwhelming' amount of support, according to a post made on its Facebook page, with people donating money towards a replacement.

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Offers were also made from businesses to paint and decorate the shopfront in addition to making a new, wooden sign free of charge to comply with the planning permission.

Andover Catfe was opened by Jack Waue and his father, Stuart Waue, in December, offering cakes, coffees and snacks, as well as giving customers the chance to interact with, and potentially adopt, cats.

The full planning application can be viewed on the Test Valley Borough Council planning portal, at 24/00386/LBWN.