Approval for husband and wife to use Penketh unit as pet crematorium

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department by applicant Claire Mulqueeney, for Unit 5b at Riverside Trading Estate in Penketh.

This was for a change of use of the premises from industrial unit to pet crematorium, as well as for the installation of a flue at roof level.

The site among warehouses, with a chemical processing plant, furniture restoration service, scaffolding warehouse and dog kennels.

Planning documents state: “The proposal will provide for an active commercial use of the unit, while providing a service to the community.

“The immediate context has a range of light industrial and storage use, and it is considered the cremation service would be consummate with those already existing in the vicinity.

“The proposal would seek to provide for approximately 30 cremations per week – this would include all small pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs

“The service would be run by a husband and wife team and would utilise a collection only service for family pets, from veterinary practices and home addresses within the area.”

Documents go on to say on an appointment basis only, clients would be able to drop off their own pets, however this is expected with much lesser frequency.

Incineration would only take place during daylight hours, expected to be 9am to 5pm during week days.

Plans add: “All carcasses will be brought to site in sealed bags, and all waste will be collected and returned to owners in ash scatter tubes or boxes.

“Ultimately, while it is expected that odours will be inevitably generated, protocols are in place to the extent that no such odours will leave the boundary of the site.”

In granting permission, the council said: “The application site is located in an area used for commercial use and industrial-type processes.

“It is considered that the proposed use for pet cremations is appropriate within this location, complying with planning policy.”