Animal lovers distraught at the death of their faithful companions could soon be able to bury them in the district's first pet cemetery.

Planning officers have recommended approval for the cemetery at a farm in Wilsden and councillors will have the final say on Thursday.

The application is for permission to turn 5,866 square metres of agricultural land at New House Farm, Bob Lane, into a pet cemetery with specific areas for interment of horses, ponies, cats, dogs and small animals divided by gravel paths and low- level box hedging.

Each gravestead in the small animal area would be marked by a stone name plaque. Areas for larger animals would be grassed and marked by plaques and shrubs. A car park with 27 spaces including four for disabled users would also be created.

Graves would be dug using hand tools and, in the case of horses, a small mechanical shovel.

Proposed hours for the site being open to visitors would be 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to noon on Sundays.

Land owner Tony Booth said he was very pleased about the proposed development.

Design and planning consultant Jan Van Pagh believes the nearest pet cemetery at the moment is in Rossendale, Lancashire.

He said: "We have taken the idea from Europe and America where there is a fairly well- established market for this.

"I have been involved in designing several in Germany and Scandinavia. We have put together a full business plan although we were aware that some people have started them and they have faltered. We have approached this in a professional way.

"As well as creating a children's section for such pets as rabbits with a sculpture in stone to mark the grave we shall have a special area for blind dogs and dogs of merit or military dogs who have done a good job and who can be rewarded.

"We feel that it's right for people not just to put their pets in the back garden. It's a serious business venture and may be ready by autumn or March next year.

"I really think it's going to be popular if it is done in the right way. In England people are very attached to their pets. You just have to think about how much their owners think about them when they're alive. This is probably the most caring nation in the world."

He said a 15-year lease on a plot of ground for a medium sized dog such as a Labrador would cost £300 rising to £350 for something larger such as a Great Dane.

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