A planning application has been submitted to convert a unit at St Hilda's Industrial Estate in South Shields into a family-operated pet crematorium, promising individual cremations with a guaranteed 100% return of ashes to pet owners.
Facility details
The proposed facility would conduct individual cremations only, with one animal cremated at a time, ensuring owners receive all of their pet's ashes. It would also include a private chapel of rest and farewell room, offering 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, located in the Beacon and Bents ward.
Operations and services
Planning documents indicate the crematorium could perform six to seven individual cremations daily. Owners could deliver pets directly to the site or arrange collection from their home or veterinary surgery. The business aims to return ashes within 24 to 48 hours where possible, with trading hours from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.
The crematorium would be regulated and subject to annual inspections to ensure full compliance with government regulations and industry standards. The planning statement notes the service 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'.
Additional offerings
The enterprise plans to offer commemorative items such as caskets, urns, scatter tubes and keepsakes, 'sourced wherever possible from local suppliers and family-run businesses'. It also intends to create employment opportunities as it becomes established.
The service would operate across the North East, supporting pet owners and working with veterinary practices, including those offering home euthanasia services that can be arranged through the business. The proposal is described as a low-impact operation with minimal traffic, noise, waste and environmental effects.
A decision on the application is expected after the consultation period ends.
