Row over South West Muslim burial site

A row has broken out over plans for a 9,000-plot Muslim burial site on rural farmland in Cornwall. The Gardens of Mercy charity wants to convert 10 acres of grazing land into a cemetery for use by the Islamic community across the South West.

But the application has been met with dozens of objections with many locals saying it is 'inappropriate' in such a rural area. Fears have been expressed about the increased traffic, flood risk, loss of agricultural land and that the area could become a 'regional' site for Muslim burials.

The application to change use of the agricultural grazing land at Callington to a green burial ground has also attracted letters of support with members of the Muslim community expressing the great need for such a site, as CornwallLive reports.

Dr Salim Mahadik, the chairperson of Gardens of Mercy, applying on behalf of the charity, 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."

More than 100 comments from the public have now been submitted on the application on Cornwall Council's planning website, with several objecting to the scheme.

One objector, Brian Hutchings, wrote: "The application isn't suitable in a Cornish farming community area. There are not enough Muslim people living in Cornwall to justify the need for this burial ground."

Fellow objector Melvin Symmons wrote: "The proposed burial ground appears disproportionately large relative to the needs of our community. 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. This proposal seems misaligned with the cultural and spiritual values held by many residents and would fundamentally alter the rural, agricultural character of the area."

Another added: "The proposed superscale burial site is incongruent to the local population need, specifically there is no local need for a Muslim burial site. Regardless of the size or the number of burial plots, this change of use application would have a detrimental impact on the environment, changing a rural agricultural community forever and setting a precedent to future absurd applications."

Another objector, Catherine Sawford, wrote: "This development is having an impact on people's mental health in the area. Some people are not even commenting in the fear they will be tagged as discriminatory.

"To have a development on the doorstep that is making people feel anxious and scared. Here in Cornwall we are proud of our heritage and in particular our countryside and way of life.

"This is a rural agricultural area. A cemetery of this size will disrupt the area's longstanding traditions and raise concerns over a shift in demographics and the increased visitation to the site."

Objector 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.

"The scale of this project and its exclusivity contradict the identity and values of a community that has strong ties to Christian traditions and agricultural heritage."

Several letters of support have also been received.

Among them was one from Dr Muhammad Ismail who wrote: "We are a family of six living in the South West for two decades. 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 wrote: "The number of Muslims continues to grow many of them like me contributing to the UK economy and society immensely. Making them feel at home will require accommodating their religious rituals including burial.

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

Dr Mirza Mohammad Feisal Beg Subhan wrote: "My family and I have been resident in Plymouth for more than a decade. As a practicing Muslim, who has made this region my home, I would like to be buried close to where I live."

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."

Currently, there are two burial sites in Cornwall that have Muslim allocated space. These are in Penzance Cemetery and St Columb Major Cemetery.

A decision will be made by Cornwall Council at a later date.