Residents reject Islamic cemetery on environmental grounds Rep: Fuji E Permana / Red:
Photo: EPA
British flag (illustration). Residents reject Islamic cemetery on environmental grounds
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON – Plans to build a 45-hectare Muslim cemetery in Lancashire, which is planned to be the largest in England, have sparked strong opposition from local residents.
Aerial photos show the scale of the Memorial Garden project, which includes 12,250 burial plots, burial chambers and a hall for worship.
Quoted from the Lancashire Post page, Tuesday (17/12/2024), this cemetery will be located near Oswaldtwistle, west of Blackburn, a town with a population of only 10,815 people.
If approved, the cemetery would surpass the Gardens of Peace in East London, which has 10,000 plots covering 21.5 hectares.
The proposal, put forward by billionaire brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa, has sparked concern among thousands of local residents.
Mohsin co-owns Asda with private equity firm TDR Capital, but his brother has sold his stake.
Asda owns ‘healthy fast food’ chain Leon, while EG Group – founded by the Issa brothers in 2001 – owns several well-known brands, including bakery Cooplands.
Opponents worry about increased traffic and potential harm to local wildlife in the pristine location.
Local Conservative councillor Steve Smithson (39) said: “The community is urging decision makers to refuse the application to protect Oswaldtwistle Green Belt, the environment and public safety.”
“We are extremely concerned about traffic safety on Blackburn Road, described as ‘the most dangerous road in Oswaldtwistle’.”
“The increased traffic from funerals each day, with numbers exceeding 400 during major events, will burden the road network, increasing the risk of accidents and increasing carbon emissions.”
“The site poses a significant risk of groundwater contamination due to the geology and high water table, raising concerns that burial activities could lead to contamination of local land, gardens and waterways.
“Seasonal flooding further exacerbates these risks, with low-lying land often submerged for months at a time.”
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A previous application to build an 85-hectare cemetery on the site was withdrawn after strong opposition from local residents.
The initial proposal included 35,000 square feet, a prayer pavilion, caretaker accommodation and 752 parking spaces.
The Issa brothers reduced the project to 12,250 lots and 356 parking spaces in response to the backlash.
A revised application has been submitted and will go to the planning committee in the new year.
Coun Smithson is part of a group called ‘Say No to Funerals’ which is hoping the Issa brothers will withdraw their appeal.
He said that while 300 residents attended meetings about the plans, more than 3,000 people supported the campaign online.
He added, “The community is very supportive of stopping the burials.”
“We have a Go Fund Me page raising money to hire the professionals needed to effectively oppose these unwanted and unnecessary apps.”
“We have issued flyers to residents and put up banners around town to raise awareness of the app.”
An Issa Foundation spokesperson said: “Our charity is committed to supporting the communities we serve.”
“We are proud to be part of the development of the cemetery in Oswaldtwistle – a vital community asset that meets an important need and significantly enhances the existing space.”
“We respect and appreciate the feedback received from all stakeholders throughout this process.”
“In line with our commitment to transparency and due diligence, our professional advisors have carefully considered the necessary developments.”
“In addition, based on the public consultation we conducted earlier this year, we have significantly reduced and revised the scheme to alleviate residents’ concerns.”
“The design and development of the proposed cemetery, together with the necessary reports have been incorporated into a revised planning application, which has now been submitted for review and approval by the council.”
“We look forward to Hyndburn Borough Council’s consideration of this important project and remain committed to working collaboratively to meet the needs of the local community.”