"More than 1,000 objections have gone in from residents"
The billionaire Issa brothers have faced a setback in their plans to build Britain’s biggest Muslim cemetery. Residents claim the proposals will ruin the surrounding landscape.
A local councillor has said more than 1,000 objections have been made to the plans, citing concerns over the impact on green belt land.
The Issa brothers submitted the proposal for land near Oswaldtwistle, west of Blackburn, Lancashire. The town has a population of just 10,815.
The proposed cemetery would be larger than the current biggest Muslim burial ground in Britain, the Gardens of Peace in east London, which has 10,000 plots on 21.5 acres.
Campaigners claim the plans are “unacceptable” and will damage the landscape and increase flood risks. They are urging the local council to reject the proposals, which would be funded by the Issa Foundation.
Conservative councillor Zak Khan, who is working with the Say No To The Cemetery campaign group, said:
“More than 1,000 objections have gone in from residents and they are still coming in thick and fast.
“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An earlier proposal to build an 85-acre cemetery was withdrawn earlier in 2025 after opposition.
The original plan included 35,000 burial plots, prayer pavilions, caretaker accommodation and 752 parking spaces.
The revised plan has reduced the proposal to 12,250 burial plots, a single funeral complex with prayer halls, condolence rooms, ablution facilities, and 356 parking spaces.
However, concerns remain over the impact of the proposed car park on 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.”
The wealthy siblings have previously faced local opposition. Earlier in 2025, Blackburn residents objected to their plans to build five luxury mansions so their families could live together.
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.”
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