What is the Issa Brothers' plan for a Muslim cemetery in Lancashire?

The Issa brothers aim to build Britain's largest Muslim cemetery on a 45-acre site near Blackburn, featuring 12,250 burial plots.

Why has the Issa Brothers' cemetery plan been rejected?

Officials twice rejected the plan citing concerns about the development's impact on the area's appearance, protected trees, and groundwater pollution.

What alternative has been proposed for the Issa Brothers' land?

Local residents and councilors suggested using the land for a nature reserve instead of a cemetery, but the Issa Foundation rejected this.

Home / Business and Economy / Billionaire Brothers' Cemetery Plan Faces Fierce Local Opposition

Billionaire Brothers' Cemetery Plan Faces Fierce Local Opposition

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Issa brothers revive plan for Britain's largest Muslim cemetery.
Scheme rejected twice by officials due to environmental concerns.
Community proposes nature reserve as alternative to cemetery.

Billionaire Brothers' Cemetery Plan Faces Fierce Local Opposition

Wealthy siblings Moshin and Zuber Issa have reignited their ambition to construct Britain's largest Muslim cemetery, a 45-acre Memorial Garden with 12,250 burial plots near Blackburn. This development, located in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has been twice thwarted by local council officials over environmental and aesthetic concerns, including potential harm to protected trees and groundwater.

Despite the rejections and significant local opposition, encapsulated by the 'Say No to the Cemetery' group, the Issa Foundation has dismissed a community-led proposal for a nature reserve. Local councilors had championed this alternative, highlighting its ecological and community benefits, but the Foundation stated they "remain committed to exploring a cemetery provision."