Plans to open a pet crematorium in a Suffolk village will be put before councillors next week.

The application, submitted by Sharon and Andrew Boatwright, would see two agricultural buildings at Mill House in St James South Elmham converted into a workshop to house machinery to perform small pet cremations and a reception and waiting area for customers.

The application says: “Pet cremation is not a service you require every day but, nethertheless it is a service many pet owners may need at some time. “There is no individual service of this kind available to the people of Waveney at this time.

“Our pet cremation service would help support the local rural economy by the use of such services as gardening, floristry, craftsman to produce wooden caskets. We would also support small business in Halesworth by the use of printing services.”

The application has received one letter of objection and one letter of support from neighbours, and has been recommended for approval by the parish council.

Council chairman Chris Bradley said: “Ms Boatwright has made creditable efforts to discuss her proposals as covered in this application with residents of St James South Elmham and members of the parish meeting committee. In consequence, she has gained a good degree of support for her initiative.

“I approve the idea of seeking to bring appropriate new business activities to the village. In principle, I have no objection to her application. There are, however, a number of detailed points that I believe should be addressed in considering the application and dealt with in conditions to be applied should it be approved.”

The application has been recommended for approval by Waveney’s planning officer subject to conditions including the working hours being restricted from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, the doors to the barn remaining closed while the incinerator is in operation and the number of cremations carried out per week not exceeding 15.

The report said: “It is considered that the economic benefit and the employment opportunity to the applicants, whilst providing a service which there is limited provision for within the District, would outweigh the harm of the policy conflict in this case.”

The proposal will be discussed by Waveney District Council’s planning committee on March 13.