A husband and wife who submitted plans for a cattery in their garden say they are "over the moon" it’s going ahead.

Dean and Jordan Osborne put forward an application to Medway Council in November to turn their garden in Kingsnorth Road, Gillingham into a kitty hotel called Felines Rest.

The proposal has since been approved, meaning the couple can begin transforming part of their home into a 38 sq m retreat for up to 14 cats at any one time.

When asked how she felt about the decision, Mrs Osborne replied: "We were a little bit in shock at first it was approved before the deadline they had set, and shocked we had managed it.

"Then we were over the moon.

"The first thing I said to my husband [though] was now the real hard work begins.

Mrs Osborne believes the boarding hotel will help fill a gap in the market in Gillingham.

“I am a big cat person,” she explained. “My nan and grandad used to foster cats and I spent a lot of my childhood at theirs in the holidays helping to look after them.

“We have two cats ourselves and have always struggled to get them into a cattery as there are not a lot in the area.

“I was looking for something that I can do from home and around the kids being at school, as finding part-time work around school hours is very difficult.

“I know some people are having to book a year in advance for places and are travelling out of the area to find a cattery.

“So having one in the area would definitely benefit a lot of people."

The couple have confirmed each cat, or cats if the moggies are from the same household, will have a separate pen at the site.

Bedding and toys would also be provided for comfort and mental stimulation, as the pair plan "to provide a caring and comfortable environment" for the felines in their care.

Daily health checks will be carried out to monitor each cat's health through visual and physical interactions.

As well as having access to an enclosed outdoor area for play and exercise, the cats will be given interactive play sessions – with toys provided – plus grooming if their owners wish.

The couple are to also provide a pick-up and drop-off service for customers if required.

Mrs Osborne says she would love the cattery to open from July, however can't confirm if this will happen yet.