The billionaire Issa Brothers have had a setback about their plans to build the largest Muslim cemetery of Great Britain after being confronted with fierce opposition of the local population.
According to a local councilor, there have been more than 1,000 objections to the plans, with concern about how it will influence the land of Green Belt.
Proposals have been submitted on land near Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, which has a population of only 10,815.
It would be larger than the current largest Muslim cemetery of Great -Britain, the gardens of Peace in East Londs, which suddenly has 10,000 on 21.5 hectares.
In new documents submitted by campaigners, the cemetery claim, it says that the plans are 'unacceptable' because it will ruin the landscape and the increased flood risks.
The group urges the city council to reject the plans, which would be financed by the charity institution of the brothers and sisters Zuber and Mohsin, the ISSA Foundation.
Mohsin is co-owner of Asda in addition to private equity company TDR Capital, but his brother has sold his interest.
Asda is the owner of 'Healthy Fast Food' chain Leon, while EG Group – which was founded in 2001, has a series of well -known brands, including Cooplands of Bakery Chain.
Thousands of residents have objected to the new cemetery that would be funded by brothers and sisters Zuber and Mohsin Issa, has claimed a municipal councilor
Depicted is the green country that can be converted into a cemetery
Muslim tombstones have a small plot along a wall on the nearby cemetery and crematorium of Accrington
Conservative councilor Zak Khan, who collaborated with the Say No on the Cemetery Campaign Group, told the Telegraph that the Issa brothers, originally from Blackburn, wanted to 'build their empire at the expense of ordinary people'.
“More than 1,000 objections have arrived from residents and they are still coming in thickly and quickly,” he said.
'The cemetery is not suitable and creates community division. They burn their estate by trying to build up on local communities that want to retain their identity. '
An earlier request to build a 85 -hectare cemetery on the site was strongly opposed to residents and withdrawn earlier this year before he was replaced by a smaller one.
The brothers originally proposed to build 35,000 cemeteries, prayer pavilions and caregiver accommodation and 752 parking spaces on 84 hectares of land.
They scale the plans back after a return to 12,250 cemeteries, a single pavilion complex of funeral stable, prayer halls, condolence rooms and laundry facilities and 356 parking spaces.
However, there are still concerns about the size of the proposed parking space, because it is claimed that the 'serious negative impact on the visual character of the green belt' would have.
Mr. Khan added: 'It is one of the last pieces of green space and the Issa brothers have already built huge units in the neighborhood. Why do they continue to hit this community? There are many other options 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 reserved for the largest Muslim cemetery of Great Britain ever
Images show the enormous scale of the proposed Memorial Garden site that would contain 12,250 cemeteries, a funeral stable and prayer halls
Is depicted near AcCHRington Cemetery and Crematorium
It is not the first time that the rich brothers and sisters have caused a row. Earlier this year they stood for anger of the locals in their hometown of Blackburn about plans to build five luxury mansions, so that their families could live together.
An Issa Foundation spokesperson said: 'Our charity is dedicated to supporting the communities that we serve.
'We are proud to be part of the development of a cemetery in Oswaldtwistle – a vital community activa that meets an essential need and improves current space considerably.
'We respect and appreciate the feedback received from all stakeholders during this process.
'In accordance with our dedication to transparency and thoroughness, professional advisers have carefully undertaken the necessary development reasons.
'Also based on our public consultation at the beginning of this year, we significantly reduced the scheme and revised to appease the concerns of residents.
'The proposed cemetery design and development, together with the necessary reports are included in a revised planning application, which has now been submitted for assessment and approval of the council.
“We are looking forward to the consideration of Hyndburn Borough Council of this important project and are committed to working together to meet the needs of the local community.”
