Billionaire brothers have caused an uproar after submitting plans for a 45-acre burial ground that could become Britain’s largest Muslim cemetery.
Images show the enormity of the Memorial Garden site, which will include 12,250 burial plots, a funeral home and a chapel.
The cemetery plans have been submitted by the billionaire Issa brothers for land near Oswaldtwistle, west of Blackburn, Lancashire, which has a population of just 10,815.
It would be bigger than Britain’s largest Muslim cemetery, the Peace Garden, which has 10,000 plots on 21.5 acres in east London.
Thousands of residents are protesting a new cemetery being funded by brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa, who own Coplans and Leon. Mr Mohsin also owns Asda, but his brother sold the stake.
They cite concerns for crowding and wildlife in the green space where the cemetery will be built.
A previous application to build an 85-acre cemetery on the site was withdrawn earlier this year after fierce opposition from residents and replaced with a smaller cemetery.
A group called “Say No to Cemeteries” has thousands of members and has also set up a fundraising page for professionals to help challenge applications.
This isn’t the first time the wealthy brothers have caused a stir. Earlier this year, they faced anger from local residents in their hometown of Blackburn over plans to build five luxury mansions for families to live together.
Councilor and Stop the Graves volunteer Stephen Smithson walks a section of land off Blackburn Road on the outskirts of Oswaldtwistle.
Thousands of residents are protesting a new cemetery being funded by brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa, owners of Asda, Copelands and Leon.
The group Say No to Cemeteries has thousands of members and has also set up a fundraising page for professionals to help challenge the application.
The photo shows a lush piece of land that could become a cemetery
Muslim headstones are set in small plots along the walls of nearby Accrington cemetery and crematorium.
Local Conservative councilor Stephen Smithson, 39, said: “The community is calling on decision-makers to refuse the application in order to protect the Oswaldtwistle greenbelt, the environment and public safety.” spoke.
“We are deeply concerned about road safety on Blackburn Road, which has been described as ‘Oswaldwhistle’s most dangerous road’.
“The increased traffic from daily funerals, whose numbers exceed 400 people during large events, will strain road networks, increase the risk of accidents and increase carbon emissions.”
“The site poses a significant risk of groundwater contamination due to its geology and high groundwater table, and there is growing concern that burial activities could lead to contamination of nearby farms, gardens and local waterways. Masu.”
“Seasonal flooding further exacerbates these risks, with lower fields often submerged for months.”
The friars originally proposed building 35,000 burial grounds, a prayer pavilion, caretaker’s quarters, and 752 parking spaces on 84 acres.
In response to backlash, the government scaled back the plan to 12,250 burial grounds, a single pavilion facility with a funeral parlor, chapel, interrogation room and ablution facilities, and 356 parking spaces.
Pictured is nearby Accrington cemetery and crematorium.
Many signs have been erected around the village opposing the new cemetery.
This site has been designated as the largest Muslim cemetery in British history
Cllr Smithson said he believed an increase in the number of cars visiting the area would have “impacts on the environment”.
The photo shows a tombstone in the local Accrington cemetery.
The application has been registered and is expected to be submitted to the planning committee in the new year.
But Smithson said he believed the increased number of cars visiting the area would have “impacts on the environment”.
“There will be parking issues and it will have an impact on the environment,” he said.
“We are very proud of Oswaldtwistle, which is surrounded by greenbelt.
“We are very proud of our green land.”
Lt. Col. Smithson is part of a group called “Say No to Cemeteries” that hopes the Issa brothers will withdraw their application.
He said 300 residents attended in-person meetings about the plan, while more than 3,000 have registered on the campaign’s website.
Bishop Smithson of Oswaldtwistle said: “Communities are far behind in abolishing cemeteries.”
“We have a Go Fund Me page that is raising funds to hire the professionals needed to effectively combat this unwanted and unnecessary application.”
“We have issued flyers to residents and placed banners around town to raise awareness of the application.”
Local residents oppose controversial new cemetery between Oswaldtwistle and Blackburn
A previous application to build an 85-acre cemetery on the site was withdrawn earlier this year after fierce opposition from residents and replaced with a smaller cemetery.
There are concerns about wildlife in the green space where the cemetery will be built.
Images show the enormity of the Memorial Garden site, which will include 12,250 burial plots, a funeral parlor and a chapel.
A spokesperson for the Issa Foundation said: “Our charity is committed to supporting the communities we serve.
“We are proud to be part of the Oswaldtwistle cemetery development, which is an important community asset that meets essential needs and significantly expands the current space.
“We respect and value the feedback we have received from all stakeholders throughout this process.
“In line with our commitment to transparency and thoroughness, our expert advisors have carefully considered the development process.
“Following public consultation earlier this year, we have also significantly reduced and amended our plans to allay residents’ concerns.
“The design and development of the proposed cemetery and the required reports have been incorporated into an amended planning application which is now submitted to council for consideration and approval.”
“We look forward to Hyndburn Borough Council’s consideration of this important project and remain committed to working together to meet the needs of the local community.”