The billionaire Issa brothers have suffered a setback over their plans to build Britain’s biggest Muslim cemetery after facing fierce opposition from locals.
There have been more than 1,000 objections to the plans, according to a local councillor, with concerns over how it will impact surrounding green belt land.Â
Proposals has been submitted on land near Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, which has a population of just 10,815.
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.Â
In new documents submitted by campaigners claim the cemetery, it says the plans are ‘unacceptable’ as it will ruin the landscape and the increased flood risks.
The group are urging the local council to reject the plans, which would be funded by the siblings Zuber and Mohsin’s charity, the Issa Foundation.
Mohsin co-owns Asda alongside private equity firm TDR Capital, but his brother has sold his stake.
Asda is the owner of ‘healthy fast food’ chain Leon, while EG Group – which the Issa brothers founded in 2001 – owns a series of familiar brands including bakery chain Cooplands.
Thousands of residents have objected to the new cemetery which would be funded by siblings Zuber and Mohsin Issa, a local councillor has claimed
Pictured is the green land which may be turned into a cemetery
Muslim gravestones have a small plot along a wall in nearby Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium
Conservative councillor Zak Khan, working with the Say No To The Cemetery campaign group, told the Telegraph the Issa brothers, originally from Blackburn, are looking to ‘build their empire at the expense of ordinary people’.
‘More than 1,000 objections have gone in from residents and they are still coming in thick and fast,’ he said.
‘The cemetery is not suitable and is creating community division. They are burning their legacy by trying to build over local communities that want to retain their identity.’
An earlier application to build an 85-acre cemetery on the site was fiercely opposed by residents and withdrawn earlier this year before being replaced with a smaller one.
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.
However, there are still concerns over the size of the proposed car park as it is claimed that it would have ‘severe negative impact on the visual character of the green belt’.
Mr Khan added: ‘It’s one of the last bits of green space, and the Issa brothers have already built massive units nearby. Why do they keep battering this community? There are plenty of other opportunities to build this thing elsewhere.’
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
This is the site earmarked for Britain’s biggest-ever Muslim cemetery
Images show the huge scale of the proposed Memorial Garden site which would contain 12,250 burial plots, a funeral parlour and prayer halls
Pictured is nearby Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium
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 their families could live together.Â
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.’
