The billionaire Issa brothers have reignited their controversial proposal to construct the United Kingdom's largest Muslim cemetery, despite the scheme having been rejected on two separate occasions by local planning authorities.
A Four-Year Planning Battle
Wealthy siblings Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who orchestrated the £7 billion takeover of supermarket giant Asda in 2020, have been pursuing the ambitious project for four years. Their vision is for a 45-acre burial ground named The Memorial Garden, featuring 12,250 plots, near their hometown of Blackburn in Lancashire.
This proposed development would significantly surpass the current largest Muslim cemetery in the UK, the Gardens of Peace in east London, which spans 21.5 acres with 10,000 plots. The brothers' plans also include a mosque with 95ft-high minarets and a £3 million dental surgery facility.
Firm Rejection from Council and Community
Hyndburn Borough Council has twice refused planning permission for the cemetery, which is earmarked for greenbelt land close to the village of Oswaldtwistle. In the latest rejection two months ago, planning officers cited a 'harmful effect on the appearance of the area'.
The council's report outlined nine key reasons for refusal, including:
- The proposal constituting 'inappropriate development' on the greenbelt.
- Potential harm to protected trees.
- An 'unacceptable risk of pollution of groundwater'.
The plans have faced substantial local opposition, with thousands of residents objecting. A campaign group named 'Say No to the Cemetery' garnered support, highlighting the scale of the proposed burial ground for a village with a population of just 10,815.
Nature Reserve Proposal Rejected
In an attempt to find a compromise, local representatives, including Oswaldtwistle Councillor Zak Khan and activist Vinette Davitt, proposed an alternative use for the land. They sent a detailed letter to the brothers' charitable arm, the Issa Foundation, suggesting the creation of a community nature reserve.
Their vision promised a 'network of enhanced habitats' with ponds, meadows, footpaths, and educational facilities, aiming to deliver ecological value and public benefits. They argued this would align with the foundation's objectives of supporting disadvantaged communities.
However, the Issa Foundation formally dismissed this alternative yesterday. A spokesperson stated, 'whilst we respect and appreciate the suggestion, we remain committed to exploring a cemetery provision.' They maintained that their cemetery proposal would protect the land from built development while offering environmental and community benefits, and that they would continue to farm the land in the interim.
Community Vows to Continue Opposition
The foundation's decision has been met with disappointment and resolve from local councillors. Councillor Zak Khan responded, 'I have kept the proposal firmly on the table and made clear that, as a community, we cannot accept a cemetery application in any form.'
Conservative councillor Steve Smithson echoed this sentiment, calling the rejection 'very disappointing' and accusing the brothers of not respecting the community. He pledged that residents would 'continue to fight and protect our green belt in Oswaldtwistle.'
This marks a significant scaling back from the brothers' original, even more audacious application from October 2021, which proposed 35,000 burial plots over 84 acres. That plan was withdrawn following intense opposition. It remains unclear when the Issa Foundation will submit a new planning application for the cemetery.
