Couple gets dying wish to be buried with animals

SUZANNE HOLMES and her husband like to plot their next move. And now the animal-loving couple can after being granted planning permission to be buried with their dogs and horses near their home in Waterford.

Suzanne, 56, and her husband Clive, 65, have trained racehorses and had pets all their lives. They've been granted planning for a private burial ground on their 300-acre estate at Kilmacthomas, Waterford.

It took an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, but last night Suzanne, who is originally from London, said it was worth the wait.

"It's a great victory for people power. The county council's main concern was it would set a precedent."

But while she has already planned her own funeral, there are more pressing matters at hand.

"My mother is coming over here in May. She's 85. She wants to be cremated when her time comes and wants her ashes to be spread here. She'll pick the exact spot, and we'll have one hell of a wake for her then, just as a practice run."

The couple moved from Britain to west Waterford 15 years ago and wanted their final resting place to be near where their family pets are buried.

The couple say their animals have given them love and pleasure over the years.

They include three horses Sea Music, Purdy and Ms Bobbitt as well as German shepherds, pointers and terriers.

Waterford County Council refused the application, raising concerns about groundwater contamination, setting a precedent and the need for a private ground when plots were available in the area. It questioned if future owners of the house would like to have such a burial ground 300 metres from the house.

But An Bord Pleanála overturned the decision and granted permission. It said it came to its decision due to the small nature and extent of development proposed and that it would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of the area.

It added it would not be prejudicial to public health.

"It is considered therefore the proposed development would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," the inspector said.

But he added further interments at the site are restricted to two humans and two animals.