Malvern News
Crematorium plan goes up in smoke
12:20pm Saturday 11th February 2012
PLANS for a controversial pet crematorium at Leigh Sinton have been refused by councillors.
Les Childs, the owner of Brookend Kennels, wanted to install an incinerator behind kennels so pet owners and vets could have animals cremated.
However, Worcestershire County Councillors said there was no need for the facilty and the rural location of the kennels meant it was the wrong place for an incinerator.
At a meeting of the planning and regulatory committee, Peter King, speaking on behalf of objectors, urged councillors to refuse the plan at the Stocks Lane kennels.
He said: “There is a very significant business being carried out from this property which started out as a private house.An industrial extension is totally unsuitable. The opinion of local residents is there is already a very signficant nuisance from noise.”
Mr King said plans for the kennels to look after dogs being tested under the dangerous dogs act were distressing for villagers.
David Pearce, speaking for Mr Childs, pointed out that the only two crematoria available were nearly 50 miles away. He also pointed out it was on a small scale and the chimney – which would be 4.2 metres above ground level – would not be visible to others.
Councillors also heard from council officer Mark Bishop who said a similar proposal was refused in 2009, a decision which was upheld at appeal by a government planning inspector.
He said a petition of 105 signatures and 22 letters had been received against the plan while a petition with 121 signatures in support had been submitted.
He pointed out there had been no planning policy changes which would justify councillors changing their original decision.
A total of 11 councillors agreed the scheme should be refused while one was against and one abstained.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Childs said: “I was disappointed.I half expected it to go against us but I did expect there to be a reasonable discussion.
“Something like 1,000 businesses a week go out of business and all we are trying to do is provide a service.”