HUDDERSFIELD is to have a pet cemetery if plans are passed.

The closest pet cemetery at the moment is in Lancashire - which is why Ruth Sykes and partner Chris Clayton believe the development would be a welcome addition to the area.

Ms Sykes has been using land off Wakefield Road, Grange Moor, to breed ponies.

She decided to give up breeding but has been reluctant to sell the land and instead has decided to turn it to another use.

Ms Sykes said she plans to use the site adjoining Old Hall on Wakefield Road for the burial of domestic animals, mostly cats and dogs.

Ms Sykes and Mr Clayton said they wanted to run the cemetery in an environmentally-friendly way.

Mr Clayton said they had no plans to erect any monuments or formal signs that will dramatically change the appearance of the site.

He added: "I believe that 20 or 30 years ago, such a plan may not have been viable.

"But there has been a change in attitudes towards pets and we feel it has left a niche in the market."

If the plan gets the go-ahead Ms Sykes and Mr Clayton hope to name the business The Mid-Yorkshire Pet Cemetery.

A decision on the application to Kirklees Council is expected after December 16.