PLANS to demolish East Lancashire's only pet crematorium and replace it with a bigger, modern version have been turned down.

Lancashire County Council's development control committee refused the scheme in Crawshawbooth, suggesting any new development should be located elsewhere.

Borough leader and local councillor Alyson Barnes welcomed the decision, saying the scheme would have been too large and industrial for the village.

Owners CVS Group Ltd wanted to knock down the existing Rossendale Pet Crematorium, office building and stable block to replace them with a larger incinerator, increasing the number of cremations it could perform.

The complex has more than 3,000 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, hamsters and budgies, buried in its grounds which lies on a tranquil hillside.

It also offers the opportunity for human owners to be buried near their pets remains.

Councillors on the committee agreed with planning officers' recommendations and refused permission.

Their report said: "There is no reason why the construction of a new, large crematorium building on previously undeveloped land has to be located in the countryside.

"It is considered that the presence of the existing small-scale crematorium and ancillary facilities on adjacent land would not be sufficient reason to support the application where there is such a significant increase in scale."

The pet cemetery and crematorium has been on the site since the 1970s and is used by vets across East Lancashire.

A letter of objection said the expansion would be 'inappropriate in an open countryside location'.

Goodshaw ward's Cllr Barnes said: "I am pleased this application was refused.

"They were talking about changing it from a crematorium for local pets to an industrial scale building for dogs, cats and horses.

"It would have been far too big for the village and the narrow single-track lane up to it.

"If they want to build a bigger crematorium then the borough council would be glad to help them look for a new site."

Russell Grey, general manager of the crematorium, said: "We are naturally very disappointed at this decision.

"We believe our application would have provided valuable additional jobs in Rossendale and would also have enabled us to enhance the service we provide to pet owners and other clients.

"We respect the decision, however, and it is not our intention to appeal. We have not yet made a decision as to whether to submit a revised planning application."