Furious locals blast plans by Muslim charity to build 9,000-plot Islamic burial site in the Cornwall countryside

Locals have slammed plans to construct a 9,000-plot Islamic burial site in the Cornish countryside.

A planning row erupted after a charity - The Gardens of Mercy - requested approval to convert 10 acres of grazing land into a cemetery for the Islamic community.

The application to change the use of the agricultural land in Callington has been supported by the Islamic community, with many writing in to say Muslim's living in the Cornwall and Devon need the development.

Muslims who live in the counties are currently unable to be buried near there homes as there are no sites that meet the requirements of their religion.

However, the proposal has been met with dozens of objections with many locals branding it 'inappropriate' for such a rural area.

Locals have also raised concerns the plan poses a risk of traffic chaos, floods, loss of agricultural land as it could become a 'regional' site for Muslim burials.

Over 100 comments have been submitted, with many objecting to the scheme and one local claiming the plan the plan wasn't 'suitable in a Cornish farming community area.'

One resident, Brian Hutchings added: 'There are not enough Muslim people living in Cornwall to justify the need for this burial ground.'

Another resident Melvin Symmons said the proposed burial ground appeared 'disproportionately large' when compared to the needs of the community.

He also argued the site 'misaligned with the cultural and spiritual values' of many locals and would 'fundamentally alter the rural, agricultural character of the area'.

He added: 'Given the size of Callington, it is unclear why a burial ground of this scale would be necessary, raising concerns that it may serve a broader catchment area and draw visitors from distant locations.

'Our area has strong Christian traditions, and local burial grounds have historically served the immediate community, respecting the values and character of our town.

Another objector argued that the burial site was 'incongruent' when compared to the population need and that the plan would have a 'detrimental impact on the environment'.

They further argued that it would change the 'rural agricultural community forever'.

Another opposer Jason Berry described the proposal as 'incongruent with our community's character and traditions.'

He added: 'Only 0.2 per cent of the local population identifies as Muslim, indicating minimal local demand for such a facility.

'With nearly 9,000 plots proposed, this project aims to serve communities as far away as Plymouth and beyond, offering no direct benefit to residents.'

Several letters of support have also been received in favour of the Islamic burial site, with Gardens of Mercy's chairperson Dr Salim Mahadik, explaining there were no burial sites for Muslims in the region of Cornwall and Devon.

He said: 'The charity's main objective is to provide a separate burial space for the Muslim community of Devon and Cornwall, which is also the vision of the planning proposal.

'At present, the Muslim community in our region is unable to bury the deceased according to proper religious traditions as there is no Muslim burial ground in Devon and Cornwall.'

Among those backing the plans is Dr Muhammad Ismal, whose family had been living in the area for over two decades.

He said: 'We need a burial ground in Devon and Cornwall that allows Muslims to be buried according to their religious traditions instead of compelling us to arrange burials for our loved ones in distant UK cities to fulfil their religious needs.

'This is basic human right of a person or group of individuals to have a burial place above and beyond any advantages and disadvantages including logistical and cultural challenges.'

Dr M Zeb Khan also contended that the number of Muslims in the UK, who contribute to the country's economy and society 'immensely', continues to grow.

'Making them feel at home will require accommodating their religious rituals including burial,' the doctor added.

'Granting Muslims a space for burial will be a step forward in creating positive feelings in Muslims of being "respected".'

Dr Mirza Mohammad Feisal Beg Subhan, whose family have lived in Plymouth for over a decade, expressed how he wishes to be buried near where he lives.

Abul Azad added: 'Providing free land for use as a cemetery is an immense relief for Muslim communities, particularly in areas with limited space.

'Many Muslims struggle to secure burial plots due to the high costs and shortage of land in densely populated regions.

'Burial is a core religious requirement in Islam, and because cremation is not permitted, the need for adequate burial space is especially pressing.

'Additionally, Islamic traditions call for single graves rather than stacking, which further adds to the demand for space.

'Having access to designated land without financial burden allows families to observe their faith's burial practices while easing the economic and logistical challenges of laying loved ones to rest.'

A decision is due to be made by Cornwall Council at a later date.

MailOnline has approached Gardens of Mercy and Cornwall Council for comment.