CONTROVERSIAL plans for a pet cemetery next to a grave yard have sparked anger.

The move to turn a piece of open land into a pet cemetery has been described as "morally wrong" and sparked calls for it to be set up elsewhere.

But despite the complaints planners have given the scheme the go ahead.

The application by Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council will now see the ashes of small animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs buried on the land near the cemetery on Hoe Road.

The scheme received ten letters of objection prior to the meeting, although no-one spoke out against the scheme when it appeared before Winchester City Council’s planning committee.

Concerns ranged from fears a precedent would be set as there are currently no other pet cemeteries in the parish, to fears it would create upset being near to the human cemetery.

Sophie Buckland, of New Road, Swanmore, said: “I strongly object as I have several members of family laid to rest in cemetery.

"I don’t think animals should be laid in the same place.”

Georgina Kempster, of Windmill Lane, Bursledon, added: “I think it’s morally wrong that you should consider having pets laid to rest at a long-standing cemetery for humans.

"If this type of thing is needed in the area, another site should be found.”

However, the scheme was unanimously approved by the committee with little debate. Cllr Eileen Berry, one of the few councillors to speak on the matter, said: "We are animal lovers in this country.

"I don't see anything wrong with allowing a piece of land for those who want to have a burial.

According to the plans, the pet cemetery would be "adjacent to, but quite separate from, the main cemetery".

Plots would be 50cm in length and width.

Those using the facility would be able to have an inscribed memorial tablet if they wished.

It is thought the plans would have enough space to fill at least a decade's worth of demand.