Plan to build a pet crematorium next to the human one
Plans have been unveiled for a new pet crematorium in Maidstone.
If approved, the scheme, put forward by the borough council, would see it housed in a separate building at Vinters Park Crematorium in Bearsted Road.
The plans will involve creating new car parks, one for staff and another for mourners saying goodbye to their pets. Designated disabled bays would also be included to help improve access to the crematorium grounds. At the moment families often have to park off site due to a lack of space.
Proposals for a separate entrance for the pet crematorium via New Cut Road have been scrapped and visitors will now use the entrance on Bearsted Road.
The Sandhole Pet Crematorium in Malling Road, Snodland, is the only place offering the service across mid and west Kent. A planning statement drawn up by gdm architects, on behalf of Maidstone council, said it would be discreetly placed away from the main crematorium.
It stated: “The car park and pet crematorium will have limited impact on the surrounding area. It will be almost invisible from the existing domestic properties and from the road. New jobs will be created and there is a sound business case and demand for this public facility.”
When the idea was first put forward last year an estimated set- up cost to the council of £670,000 was given.
Two members of staff would be employed. Councillors agreed the plans last February, but now a formal request for planning permission has been submitted. The council will make its decision before September 14, and it could be open by spring or early summer next year.
View and comment on the application at maidstone.gov.uk reference 16/505779/FULL