Plan to convert vet practice into pet crematorium

Plans have been put forward to convert a veterinary surgery into a pet crematorium.

The facility, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, is set to be located at the Britannia Enterprise Park.

If approved, it would be the only service of its kind in the local area.

The proposals suggest that four to six pets per day could be cremated there, however this could increase to as many as 15 per day.

A letter submitted with the application by Michelle Severn, of Chrome Butterflies Pole and Aerial Studios, which operates above the proposed development, says: "After speaking with the owner of the proposed new venture, I am confident that their business will be a welcome addition to our building and the local area.

"The complementary business hours mean we will not compete for customer traffic or parking spaces, creating a positive arrangement for both businesses," she added.

"I believe this new venture will bring positive benefits to our commercial community."

Deceased pets would arrive from local veterinary services. However, individuals could choose to either bring pets to the crematorium themselves or have them collected by staff, according to the plans.

No external alterations to the building were proposed, other than a flue from the incinerator.

The facility would operate between 08:00 and 18:00.

"This proposal will result in the diversification of a successful business with the immediate creation of at least two full time jobs with scope for further job creation as the business grows," according to planning documents.

"Such a business would be sustainable providing a new facility in the region that does not currently exist."

Residents have until 15 April to submit feedback on the plans.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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