Two extremely wealthy siblings have caused a stir by proposing a large 45-acre burial ground that could potentially become the largest Muslim cemetery in the UK.
Images show the huge scale of the proposed Memorial Garden site which would contain 12,250 burial plots, a funeral parlour and prayer halls.
The billionaire Issa brothers have put forward this burial site plan for an area near Oswaldtwistle, located to the west of Blackburn in Lancashire, a town with a modest population of around 10,815 individuals.
It would be bigger than Britain’s current biggest Muslim cemetery, the Gardens of Peace in east London which has 10,000 plots on 21.5 acres.
A significant number of local residents have expressed their opposition to the establishment of this new cemetery, which is intended to be financed by the Issa brothers, Zuber and Mohsin, who are the owners of Cooplands and Leon. Mohsin, in addition, holds ownership of Asda, although his brother has divested his share in the business.
They cite concerns over congestion and wildlife on greenland where the cemetery would be built.
An earlier application to build an 85 acre cemetery on the site was fiercely opposed by residents and withdrawn earlier this year and replaced with a smaller one.
A group called ‘Say no to the Cemetery’ has thousands of members and they even have a fundraising page for experts to help them challenge the application.
It’s not the first time the wealthy siblings have caused a row. Earlier this year they faced anger from locals in their hometown of Blackburn over plans to build five luxury mansions so that their families could live together.
Local Conservative councillor Steve Smithson, 39, said: ‘The community is urging decision-makers to reject the application to protect Oswaldtwistle’s Green Belt, environment, and public safety.
‘We are deeply concerned about traffic safety on Blackburn Road, described as ‘the most dangerous road in Oswaldtwistle.
‘Increased traffic from daily funerals, with numbers exceeding 400 during large events, would strain the road network, heightening the risk of accidents and an increase to carbon emissions’
‘The site poses a significant risk of groundwater contamination due to its geology and high water table, raising concerns that burial activity could lead to contamination of nearby allotments, gardens, and local waterways.
‘Seasonal flooding further exacerbates these risks, with the lower fields frequently underwater for months.’
The brothers originally proposed to build 35,000 burial plots, prayer pavilions and caretaker accommodation and 752 car parking spaces on 84 acres of land.
They scaled back plans after a backlash to 12,250 burial plots, a single pavilion complex of funeral parlour, prayer halls, condolence rooms and ablutions facilities, and 356 parking spaces.
The application has been registered and is due to go to the planning committee in the new year.
But Cllr Smithson says he thinks that the increase in cars visiting the area will ‘affect the environment.’
He said: ‘There will be parking issues – which will affect the environment.
‘We are quite proud in Oswaldtwistle because we are surrounded by green belt land.
‘We are quite proud of our green land.’
Cllr Smithson is part of a group called ‘Say no to the Cemetery’ – who are hoping that the Issa brothers will withdraw their application.
He says that 300 residents have been to an in-person meeting about the plans but over 3,000 people have subscribed to the campaign’s website.
Cllr Smithson, of Oswaldtwistle, said: ‘The community is very much behind stopping the cemetery.
‘We’ve got a Go Fund Me page which is raising funds to hire professionals needed to effectively challenge this unwanted and unnecessary application’.
‘We’ve issued leaflets to residents and placed banners around the town to raise awareness of the application.’
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 a cemetery in Oswaldtwistle – a vital community asset that meets an essential need and significantly enhances the current space.
‘We respect and value the feedback received from all stakeholders throughout this process.
‘In line with our commitment to transparency and thoroughness, professional advisers have carefully undertaken the necessary development considerations.
‘Also, based on our public consultation early this year, we have significantly reduced and revised the scheme to appease the concerns of residents.
‘The proposed cemetery design and development, along with the necessary reports have been incorporated into a revised planning application, which has now been submitted for council review and approval.
‘We look forward to Hyndburn Borough Council’s consideration of this important project and remain committed to working collaboratively to address the needs of the local community.’
