A dispute has broken out in a UK town after a burial site for Korans was deemed illegal. Residents reported seeing copies of the holy book of Islam being buried near a monument, and the council has now insisted all of the materials are removed.
The Korans, which were worn-out and damaged, were buried at a shrine-like structure off Wood Nook Lane in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. Footage was shared by Rest Gardens, a company that handles the proper Islamic burial of old copies of the Koran, but the Environment Agency has now called for an end to these "illegal burials".
Council enforcement order issued
As reported by The Telegraph, the burial site in Sowerby Bridge is now subject to a council enforcement order, with documents describing how Calderdale Council "considers that the harm caused to the character and appearance of the area by the unauthorised development".
The enforcement notice states: "The steps required by the notice in respect to the columns and marble slab structure elements of the structure are considered necessary and proportionate to remedy the identified planning harm."
The columns and marble slab structure are situated in a prominent location within the site and are visible from outside the site, including from surrounding land and public vantage points. "As such, they form part of the public-facing appearance of the development and have a material influence on its overall visual impact."
Residents' petition and reactions
While an appeal has been submitted against the enforcement notice, a petition from residents calling for the structure to be removed has collected over 1,220 signatures. A residents' group wrote: "This petition is not directed against any religion, faith, or community. We respect the right of all people to practice their beliefs lawfully. Our concern is that significant changes to land use and development should comply with the same planning and environmental standards that apply to everyone."
However, other locals have described it as a "disgrace" and an "eyesore". One said: "The place looks dreadful and it should be held to the same accountability as all other sites, regardless of what religion you are."
Officials and company respond
Adam Wilkinson, a Labour councillor for Sowerby Bridge, said: "I feel the frustration from residents who feel the planning rules are not being adhered to. I live locally. Nobody wants an eyesore or an alleged illegal waste site nearby. I am aware of worries from residents about the Korans being buried and the worry that an illegal burial may have taken place. It's clear people are currently finding it too easy to avoid enforcement action – I welcome the Government's moves to get a firmer grip of problem waste sites."
Meanwhile, an Environment Agency spokesman told The Telegraph: "Illegal waste activities of any kind are a blight on local communities and we are supporting the local council to tackle reports of fly tipping at this site. We have been clear that these activities are not allowed under waste-management legislation and should stop immediately. We are cracking down on waste criminals, have stepped up enforcement action with our 10-point plan and want to make it clear that anyone found flouting the law will be held accountable."
Mohammed Khorshid, a director of Rest Gardens, said the structure has been in place for over five years. He said it is used by people to "meet and arrange gardening activities". He added: "After being labelled as immigrants coming on a boat and facing racial attacks, we decided to place poles with British flags to educate the haters that we're British, not migrants who have arrived on a boat."
A Calderdale council spokesman said: "We are aware of the structure. As the council is actively involved in a planning enforcement process at present, including the serving of a planning enforcement notice, we are unable to comment further at this time."
