Latest Castleblayney pet crematorium plan rejected
A proposal for a single-storey pet crematorium in rural Castleblayney has once again been refused by Monaghan County Council.
Olive Cunningham had sought permission for the development at Aghnafarcan, Broomfield. She first lodged planning in May last year, with significant further information sought by the council several months later. This was filed at the start of this year, and the refusal issued late last month.
Ms Cunningham’s application included a pet crematorium building, a wastewater treatment system with a raised mound percolation area, car parking, landscaping and the use of an existing entrance onto the public road from a 0.535-hectare site located just 120 metres west of Aghnafarcan National School.
The lands have planning history stretching back more than 15 years.
In 2009, permission was granted for a childcare facility on the site, though the development was never constructed and the permission expired in November 2014.
More recently, planning permission was granted in 2019 for a single-storey pet crematorium.
The following year however, a new application was entered and refused by the council, when Ms Cunnningham sought permission to build a human crematorium, which would have incorporated a chapel of rest.
In 2024, Ms Cunningham returned seeking to extend the duration of the 2019 pet crematorium permission, but this request was also refused.
Environmental
In the latest refusal, planners highlighted environmental sensitivities at the site. The development is located approximately 100 metres from the Annahale Stream, a waterbody classified as being of “poor status”.
The new proposal relied on a new connection to the Donaghmoyne Group Water Scheme for water supply, while wastewater would be treated on site.
The council sought detailed further information, including an air and odour impact report, emission limits, identification of emission points, confirmation of approval from the Department of Agriculture, and details of the contractor responsible for collecting animal by-products.
Clarification was also requested on the proposed “throughput” of the facility and the justification for installing a “larger cremation unit”, typically associated with horses, when the applicant stated the facility was intended for domestic pets only.
Applicant’s case
In their submissions, the applicant stated her family has operated a fallen animal business for “many years”, and argued there is no pet crematorium facility in County Monaghan, forcing pet owners to travel to Northern Ireland.
The proposal, she said, was a “diversification” of her existing business and designed to “meet customer demand”.
The further information submitted included an air and odour screening report, revised drawings and confirmation that approval from the Department of Agriculture would be sought prior to commissioning.
It was stated the facility would process “up to seven pets per day”, with a throughput exceeding 45kg per hour. The larger cremation unit, it was said, was the smallest available capable of cremating “large domestic dogs”.
Harefort Ltd (Mulvaneys) was identified as the contractor to collect any animal by-product.
‘No Alternative’
However, the decisive issue remained compliance with the Monaghan County Development Plan, introduced after the original 2019 permission. Under the updated plan, applicants must demonstrate there is no suitable alternative site within nearby settlements.
While the applicant submitted correspondence showing contact with owners of zoned industrial land in Castleblayney, the council said the evidence fell short of what is required, noting a lack of maps identifying lands assessed, and no indication that other vacant industrial premises for sale or lease had been considered.
In its conclusion, the planner stated that approval would be contrary to the Monaghan County Development Plan and could undermine the “proper planning” and sustainable development of the local area.