Plans to extend a pet crematorium near Ystradgynlais so that it can house a bigger incinerator to deal with the bodies of horses have been given the go-ahead by Bannau Brycheiniog planners.

In June last year, Kieran Daniel lodged plans with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority (BBNPA) to extend a pet cremation facility to accommodate equine cremation at Pensarn Farm, Lower Cwmtwrch.

This would be done by adding an “Ad Enviable” incinerator to the site within a new building.

The application also asks for temporary permission for an office “pod” to be replaced by a permanent office.

Wales’ environment watchdog, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), had initially said they would object unless more information on the proposal was received.

This was because the site is only 60 metres away from Rhos Hen-Glyn-Isaf Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which contains features that are sensitive to air quality.

The worry is that a bigger incinerator would create more air emissions which would affect the SSSI.

Further information was submitted which explained that they expected to burn one horse body a month, and NRW were reconsulted on the matter.

NRW came back and said: “We have reviewed the additional information on the equine crematorium specifications and projected burning rates.

“We consider the pollution from this development to be below the thresholds for harm to sensitive features of the nearby Rhos Hen-Glyn-Isaf SSSI.

“Therefore, we have no objection to the proposal as submitted.”

Planning case officer Lisa Williams said: “The proposal is located in the open countryside as defined by the LDP (Local Development Plan).

“There is a presumption against the development, with the exception given to those development forms where there is a defined essential need for a countryside location.”

Ms Williams continued: “The expansion of the crematorium business to provide equine cremation is not considered to intensify the use beyond what is considered appropriate to the environment and setting within the national park.

“The expansion of the firm diversification scheme is not considered to be inappropriate, in so much that it will continue to provide an additional income stream to the existing farm business and shall safeguard the future of the farming enterprise.”

Due to this, Ms Williams said that the extension of the pet crematorium business “is considered” to meet the necessary policy requirements.

Ms Williams said: “There are no concerns in relation to ecology, trees, highway safety, and matters relating to air quality have been addressed.

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“It is recommended that this application be approved subject to conditions.”