Councilors are set to decide on plans to expand pet crematoriums in Surrey.
Silvermere Haven Pet Cemetery says its site near the A3 between Byfleet and Cobham has become too large and it wants to expand.
The company says redevelopment is necessary to meet increasing demand.
Surrey County Council is scheduled to consider an application for a new, larger building to replace the existing building on Tuesday.
Planning documents say the crematorium, which has been in operation since the 1970s, has reached “physical and operational capacity”.
Council planners have recommended the plans be approved on the basis that “an aging and unsustainable crematorium cannot meet the needs of modern pet and equine cremation services”.
petition
The report said the area has a high concentration of horse owners, but the nearest facility is at least 60 miles away and “limited services are provided” for horse cremation.
A petition opposing the proposal has been signed by 1,425 people. There is also opposition from Elbridge Borough Council.
The number of pet owners using the site rose from about 24 per week in 2020 to more than 90 per week in 2021.
The facility also serves over 280 veterans across the South East, London and East Anglia.
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