East Lothian pet crematorium plans called before councillors
Plans for the crematorium have been called in by the council due to “the level of community concern”
Plans to open a pet crematorium in the East Lothian countryside will go before councillors next month after local residents raised concerns about its impact.
Local couple Melaney (CORR) and Andrew Fendick have applied for permission to open the small crematorium beside their home in Boggs Holding, near Pencaitland.
The proposals, which will see a timber clad building created next to paddocks behind their home along with a gas tank and upgraded office, have been recommended for approval by planning officers.
However, they have been called in by ward councillor Shamin Akhtar after receiving nine objections.
Councillor Akhtar said: “Due to the level of community concern, it would be helpful to have a full discussion on this application.”
A report due to go before the planning committee says objections raised include concern about introducing a “combustion based industrial process” into a small rural hamlet, the traffic which will be generated, potential odours and noise and claims it could impact the health of neighbouring residents.
There were also concerns that it could expand into a bigger operation than initially proposed however planners said that “subsequent to the registration of the application the applicant has confirmed the proposed pet cremation business would be operated by themselves and not by any external party.”
And they say that the small rural community which was originally established as agricultural small holdings has developed with a range of small businesses.
Their report into the application states: “A pet cremation business is a use that could reasonably be accommodated within an industrial estate or on land allocated for business and employment purposes and does not inherently require a countryside location.“
“However, the proposal seeks, in part, to re-use the Class 4 office building approved in 2025 as an administrative office and client room associated with the proposed business. The proposal also involves the use of a small area of land to the south of the existing office building for the erection of a modest building to accommodate the proposed pet cremator.
“Furthermore, the wider Boggs Holdings area has evolved over time to accommodate a range of commercial activities, including plant nurseries, dog day care facilities, a cattery and furniture making workshop.
“Therefore, whilst Boggs Holdings is not specifically identified in the East Lothian Local Development Plan as a business or employment location, it is nevertheless an established area where a number of businesses operate.”