Pet burials plan for eco site near Whitchurch

An eco-friendly burial ground near Whitchurch could be expanded due to growing demand for the service for people – and their pets.

Two years ago James Blantern won permission to create the region's first green burial ground on land at Alkington Grange. He now wants to increase the plots for people from 10 to 40 per year at the site which opened in January, but he is also seeking permission for pet burials.

He has now submitted a new application to Shropshire Council.

In 2009 Mr Blantern submitted an application for the half-acre site with a condition that the burial rate will not exceed 10 burials a year.

A letter by Mr Blantern says: "The reason for this application is to increase the number of burials from the current level of 10 to 40 a year and to undertake 40 pet burials a year. Small pets, for example cats and dogs.

"Due to the nature of the business I do not wish to get anywhere near the stated number per year within the planning permission, but feel an increase is required."

Read more in the Shropshire Star