A PET crematorium in the grounds of Cannon Hall has been given the green light.

The £150,000 development hit a stumbling block last month when a decision by officials was deferred until Tuesday’s meeting of the planning board in order to allow extra information to be provided about the ambitious project.

Currently pet cremations are usually arranged by local vet practices and carried out by private firms. Costs vary but can range from between £30 for a small pet up to £100 for a large dog.

Under the proposals an old potting shed will be converted into a crematorium but councillors wanted more detail about how it would be fuelled, the emissions it would produce, whether it could be used only at night and why a garden area at Cannon Hall was chosen as a location.

A lengthy statement was given by Bereavement Services at this week’s meeting which said great care had been taken in choosing a location.

“The slip garden, where the crematorium will be based, has historically been used as a service area for the hall and gardens behind the walled garden in an area not seen or accessed by the public,” the statement said.

“It is a place where compost has been stored and gardeners and other work people have undertaken tasks away from the site of the hall owners and visitors.

“The nearest play facility is more than 350 feet away.”

It went on to say the idea was praised by Arts Council England as an example of innovation and new ways of working and also explained why Ardsley Crematorium would not be a suitable site.

“A dual site containing both a human and pet cremation could damage the reputation of the current service, particularly among non-pet owners.

“Space at the crematorium is limited with many areas used for scattering remains or interments. In addition car parking can be a problem at peak times.”

The statement said an industrial location would not be attractive to pet owners who often regard their pet as a much-loved member of the family.

“Cremating at this type of location could be seen as an industrial process due to the crematorium’s location next to industrial units. It is not the intention to use the pet crematorium for mass disposal but rather a bespoke, personal and caring service for bereaved pet owners.”

It also responded to concerns from Cawthorne Parish Council about the suitability of the location saying no public letters of objection were received and that wasn’t likely to impact on visitor numbers.

“The use is considered to be sensitive and would be set away from the main leisure uses of the hall and the gardens within an area of the walled garden which is not accessible by the public,” the statement said.

“It is not felt there would be a conflict between the uses and they could operate together without any detriment to the leisure use of Cannon Hall.”

Councillors were also taken a site visit ahead of making a decision in order to be fully satisfied with the scheme.

Coun Joe Hayward said: “I was concerned initially but having visited the site, it will be well covered and out of the way. It was important for us to go there and see it with our own eyes and it really is on the site’s boundary. We had to make sure it was right, which I now think it is, before coming to a decision.”