PLANS to create a pet crematorium in Deganwy has been approved, despite some concern.

The application to change the use of a former hay barn to two business units and a pet crematorium was submitted to Conwy County Borough Council by Mark Rutherford of Tyn Y Coed Farm.

The proposal was approved with conditions on December10.

A supporting document into plans states: “The outbuilding which is the subject of the currently application is traditionally constructed redundant farm buildings with masonry walls / pillars under a slated roof to the West of the ‘L’ Shaped range.

“The former hay barn benefits from planning consent for conversion and change of use to two holiday letting units. There is also planning consent to construct replacement agricultural buildings in relatively close proximity to the North and South of the former hay barn.

“Due to the close proximity of the agriculture activity and buildings the applicant has considered that an alternative business use for the hay barn would be more appropriate than the currently approved holiday letting use.

“B1 use for one of the units, which would provide a rural enterprise business unit for rent would be a pet crematorium business that is in high demand and in short supply in the North Wales area.”

The document says there is only one business catering for this service which is located in Flintshire, the next nearest is the Wirral then Powys, and there is in the region 50 million pets in the UK. 

Charges for the service will range from £125 for a small dog or cat, £160 for a medium dog and £190 for a large dog.

The document added: "Pet cremations is therefore readily apparent as a viable and sustainable business."

One consultation response described the proposed development as “completely inappropriate”.

A letter, on behalf of Client Maes Dolau Caravan Park Limited, said: “We are not convinced that emission from the diesel incinerator stack will be smokeless and odourless and, indeed the submitted manufacturers brochure confirms that efficiency of incinerator operation will be highly dependent upon stringent servicing requirements.

"It is also apparent that it is indeed proposed to bury or spread ashes at the site. Although the relevant standing advice referred to in such regard is clear that various certain conditions and requirements must be met, no information has been submitted addressing such conditions and requirements."

In a report into proposals, it is stated that the incinerator unit is designed "specifically for the pet crematorium business" and "would not cause any detriment to anyone in the rural locality."