Plans for Andover cat cafe approved by Test Valley Borough Council

After being a finalist at the Youth in Test Valley Awards last year, Jack Waue received mentorship from New Street Dental Care in Andover to open his own Cat-Fe. 

The winner of the award, which was open to those aged between 14 and 18, was given £1,000 to start their own business and a 12-month mentorship.

Despite the fact that the cat cafe wasn't the winning entry, Jack's idea received a lot of public support.

His inspiration to open a cat cafe in Andover started when he visited Romsey's Paws for Thought in 2019, alongside being a big cat lover and owning cats himself.

READ MORE: Andover residents welcome plans for town to have its first cat café

After past struggles with finding premises, Jack and his father Stuart Waue confirmed that if everything goes as planned their Cat-Fe will be opening at 2 Winchester Street, which was last used as the Andover Tap. 

In August Stuart informed the Advertiser that before a planning application could be approved they were waiting for a change of use for the premises to be given.

Stuart previously said: "We can't afford to spend £10,000 plus getting this work done if there's still a chance we won't be granted the change of use. That would then result in us spending more to get the property put back to return to the landlord."

The change of use has now been approved meaning the planning application has been given the green light by Test Valley Borough Council.

SEE ALSO: Plans for Andover cat cafe faced with second major set back

Despite these difficulties with securing premises, Jack has remained determined to do all he can to ensure his dream will become a reality to benefit both homeless cats and the community. 

Speaking to the Advertiser, Stuart said: "We're pretty much financially and emotionally committed now, and will be trying to open as soon as we can, but are unsure exactly when that will be as it depends on when the works can be completed."