FUNERALS FOR BELOVED PETS COULD SOON BE COMING TO GRIMSBY CREMATORIUM

A NEW chapel could soon be built at Grimsby Crematorium - for funerals of pet animals.

The idea is to allow an opportunity to those mourning a beloved dog, cat - or guinea pig - to give it a similar farewell to that afforded human loved ones.

The proposed new chapel will also be used “to accommodate small family groups for a more intimate farewell to human loved ones".

If a plan submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council goes ahead, a ‘pet-cremator unit’ will also be built,  its designated location being the current staff car park.

The planning application has been submitted by North East Lincolnshire Council’s partners, engie.

It says: “The  proposed chapel  and pet cremation unit have been designed in such a way as to complement and enhance the existing building construction through the use of sympathetic design principles and appropriate materials.

“Oak timber panelled doors will be used which will match the existing external entrance doors, and the existing steel windows and associated cast stone window surrounds will be refurbished and re-used in the new extension with contemporary stained glass incorporated within the window units.

“A cast stone door surround will be installed around the proposed chapel doors with the height increased to match the existing chapel.

“This will allow pall bearers to carry coffins through the doorway without any complications.”

Of the pet-cremator unit, the report says: “It  is to be housed in a steel container that is to be clad with timber which will complement the existing timber which is used on the cloisters walkway within the existing memorial garden at the rear of the main chapel.

“ The impact of the proposal will not have any negative effect on any of the listed assets within the cemetery due to the isolated location.

"The proposals will seek to complement the existing design and proportions of the existing crematorium building."

No details have yet been supplied on the proposed price structure for  pet funerals, but the authority believes the venture will provide a useful new revenue stream.

The report claims  the project will provide "a valuable service to the local community. “