Issa brothers Oswaldtwistle cemetery plans scaled back

The new blueprint halves the size of the graveyard, reduces the number of plots by two-thirds, and moves it to the northwest edge of the site near the M65 bridge, well away from any houses.

However despite the changes, a local councillor has said he remains opposed to the plans, saying the graveyard is "unwanted and unneeded" and the Issas are "exceptionally misguided" if they think public consultation has been a success.

The original proposal on 84 acres of land off Blackburn Road, near West End Business Park on the outskirts of Oswaldtwistle, was for 35,000 burial plots, prayer pavilions (comprising prayer halls and condolence rooms plus an administration building), and caretaker accommodation, with a provision for more than 660 car parking spaces.

The application was withdrawn in January 2022 after a wave of protests from nearby residents at the scale of the proposals.

Now a new smaller application has been submitted to Hyndburn Council by the Issa Foundation - the charity created by Blackburn brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who created the petrol forecourt giant EG Group.

The land on which the graveyard is proposed The latest application - currently being validated by town hall planners - reduced the size of the cemetery to 45 acres, cuts the number of grave plots to 12,250, and proposes 387 parking spaces.

It would have a single pavilion and as originally planned be open to burials for people of all faiths and none from the East Lancashire area.

The foundation hopes the reduction in size, re-siting, and other changes will allay local people's fears, but Hyndburn Council's Conservative group leader Cllr Zak Khan said he and residents in his St Oswald's ward remained 'adamantly opposed' to the project.

A spokesperson for the Issa Foundation said: "We are pleased to announce the submission of a planning application for the creation of a memorial garden, including a cemetery and pavilion, located in Blackburn Road.

"This marks a significant milestone in the foundation's mission to create a final resting place that embodies serenity, respect, and natural beauty.

"The decision to move forward with this application follows a period of successful public engagement and consultation with the local planning authority.

'We don't want it, we don't need it,' said Cllr Zak Khan (Image: Hyndburn Council) "The feedback provided by residents, the local authority and from our team of planning professionals, has been invaluable in re-shaping the final design.

"The proposed memorial garden will offer a peaceful and tranquil environment where friends and families can visit their loved ones in a calming, reflective setting.

"While this cemetery would address a Muslim need it would be open to people of all faiths.

"The memorial garden will feature well-maintained grounds, uniform graves, and a harmonious blend of evolving natural beauty.

"The inclusion of a pavilion will further enhance the memorial garden’s welcoming atmosphere, providing a space for reflection and contemplation.

"The changes already made to the original plan reflect the feedback from both the local community and the local authority.

"The Issa Foundation believes that this memorial garden will not only meet the needs of those seeking a peaceful final resting place for their loved ones but will also serve as a beautiful green space for the wider community."

Explaining his hostility to the Issa's plans, Cllr Khan said: "I remain adamantly opposed to this cemetery. We don't want it, we don't need it.

"The people of Oswaldtwistle are in a state of anxiety and upset at these proposals.

"If the Issa Foundation thinks its public engagement has been successful they are exceptionally misguided.

"Reducing the size of this cemetery does not make it any more acceptable."