'Dignified space' - Plans unveiled for new pet crematorium in South Shields
A new pet crematorium could open in South Shields, offering grieving owners a private place to say goodbye to their beloved animals.
Plans have been submitted to transform a unit at St Hilda’s Industrial Estate into a family-run pet cremation business serving owners across the North East.
The proposed facility would carry out individual cremations only, so owners only receive their own pet’s ashes.
It would also include a private chapel of rest and farewell room, giving families a “private and dignified space in which to spend time with their pet before cremation”.
South Tyneside Council has received the change-of-use application for unit six at the industrial estate, in the Beacon and Bents ward.
Planning documents say the crematorium could carry out six to seven individual cremations a day, with owners able to bring pets directly to the premises or arrange collection from their home or veterinary practice.
The business would aim to return ashes within 24 to 48 hours wherever possible and normal operating hours for the business would be 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 8am-12pm on Saturdays.
The pet crematorium would also be regulated and subject to annual inspections to ensure full compliance with all relevant government regulations and industry standards.
Planning documents note the proposed facility would “provide an important service for pet owners across the region, offering reassurance that their beloved pets are treated with dignity and respect through individual cremation procedures”.
The business is also expected to stock a range of memorial products, including caskets, urns, scatter tubes and keepsakes, which would be “sourced wherever possible from local suppliers and family-run businesses”.
The supporting statement adds: “In addition, the business intends to create employment opportunities as it grows and becomes established.
“The service will operate across the North East, supporting pet owners and working alongside established veterinary practices, including those offering home euthanasia services that can be arranged through the business.
“The proposed use represents a low-impact operation generating minimal traffic, noise, waste and environmental effects, while providing a valuable and compassionate service to the local community and wider region.”
A decision on the plan is expected following a consultation.