Seaham pet crematorium plans rejected by Durham County Council

Applicant Laura Howes submitted a proposal to convert an industrial unit on a Seaham industrial estate into the new facility while also erecting an external 10.7 metre chimney for the cremator.

She says the development would be used solely for the incineration of domestic pets and would mainly operate as a collection service.

The small, local family run businesses would provide a “personal, sensitive and environmentally friendly” service for deceased pets in Seaham Grange Industrial Estate, it was stated. 

“We feel that there is a need for this pet crematorium in this area, as the nearest pet crematorium within Durham County Council is Langley Park, a 35 minute drive away from Seaham,” Ms Howes added.

The chimney due to be erected would be smokeless, odourless and quiet, and wouldn’t affect humans or nearby wildlife, Ms Howes told a planning meeting. 

The applicant hoped to open the pet crematorium in the area outlined on the map (Image: The Northern Echo)

But residents objecting to the plans raised issues of noise, emissions, odour, impact to property value, and the site being too close to residential properties.

Among the objectors was Seaham Town Council, who said the development would cause harmful pollutants to be airborne in the local atmosphere with a negative effect on residents.

Yet despite the numerous objections, planning officers at Durham County Council recommended the application was approved by councillors. “Whilst mindful of the nature and weight of public concerns it is considered that these are not sufficient to outweigh the planning judgement in favour of the proposals,” a report concluded.

'A view that few would want to enjoy'

However, Seaham county councillor David McKenna urged the committee to reject the proposal, saying the proposed facility was roughly just 20 metres away from residential gardens.

He said: “The site of crematorium in operation and its 10.7 metre chimney is a view that few would want to enjoy while sat in their garden in the summer months.

“Would you be happy to have your children, or grandchildren, playing at the Fun Shack or using the sensory play area while animal carcases are being cremated a matter of metres away.”

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'Health could be affected'

Karen Robinson, speaking on behalf of her 89-year-old father who lives opposite the industrial estate, complained of the already “pungent garlic odours” emitting from the site due to food production facilities.

“If we are to add to this fumes and odours of dead animal carcasses and possible invisible particles then my elderly parents and other residents health could be affected,” she said.

Councillors rowed against the advice of their peers and rejected the proposal. The applicant Laura Howes said she will appeal the refusal.