Plans for a small pet and horse crematorium near Nantwich have been given the go-ahead by Cheshire East councillors, writes Belinda Ryan.
Cheshire East’s southern planning committee had earlier this month deferred the application to use a rural outbuilding at Doddington Mill House, off Mill Lane in Doddington, for the cremations.
Councillors wanted more information on issues such as odours and filters, disposal of ashes, clarification about journey expectations and carbon reduction measures.
They also wanted to carry out a site visit.
Yesterday (August 30), following a site visit and with the requested information provided, the committee (pictured) narrowly approved the scheme.
Wybunbury Ward councillor Janet Clowes (Con), who was against the proposal at the previous meeting, again argued it did not comply with planning policy and should be refused.
Speaking as a visiting councillor, she said: “In brief, the question I think you need to ask yourself is, is this a suitable business or suitable location in open countryside?”
She listed numerous reasons why she considered it was not.
“In terms of the rural economy, this is not an existing business,” said Cllr Clowes.
“There’s no business on this site, but that’s what the policy requires.
“It is not a tourist or visitor attraction. It does not support sustainable farming or agriculture.”
Applicant Georgina Carter said there was a need for the service – and stressed it would be energy efficient.
Mrs Carter said: “We’ve done thorough research into this type of business in the run-up to submitting the application and have liaised with the world’s leading incinerator manufacturer to ensure we install the most energy efficient incinerators.”
She said electric vehicles would be used for the free pet collection service, solar panels are fitted to the building.
She added: “I know there was some concerns again from local residents regarding the level of air pollution.
“However, having provided your air quality team and the environment protection officer with the emissions data, they were satisfied that these were low levels of pollution.”
Cllr Rachel Bailey (Audlem, Con) said she had a number of concerns about the proposal adding: “I’ve struggled to find justification for siting of this business in a remote location beyond diversification, which it clearly is not.”
Other councillors raised concerns about the sustainability of the business and the number of journeys which might be undertaken by pet owners transporting their pets to the site.
Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Con) said he had been concerned about whether the application complied with policy relating to new business in the countryside but, after clarification from planning officer Daniel Evans, he was satisfied that it does.
“I think the balance is in favour of approval,” said Cllr Kolker.
He moved it be approved and this was seconded by Brereton councillor John Wray (Con).
The application was approved with four councillors voting in favour, two against and three abstaining.
Currently the nearest horse and equine cremation services are the other side of stoke on Trent at a country location.
Where the owner collects and takes to the cremation facility.
This local service will provide a service much needed and leave a less carbon footprint than stoke.
Given that the local Cllr for wybunbury has a large livery yard and others in her ward does she realise how far deceased equines are taken to be cremated?