South Hill Road leading into Callington, Cornwall. (Image: SWNS)
Plans for a 9,000-plot Muslim burial site on rural farmland in Cornwall have been scrapped following fierce backlash from the local community
The Gardens of Mercy charity had proposed to transform 10 acres of grazing land into a cemetery for the Islamic community.
However, the proposal was met with a barrage of objections from locals who deemed it ‘inappropriate’ for such a rural setting. Concerns were raised about potential increases in traffic, flood risks, loss of agricultural land, and fears that the site could become a ‘regional’ hub for Muslim burials.
Following the intense backlash, the application to repurpose the agricultural grazing land in Callington into a green burial ground has been officially retracted, despite also garnering support, with members of the Muslim community highlighting the urgent need for such a facility. An official notice on the council’s planning portal confirmed the withdrawal: “Cornwall Council hereby confirms that the above mentioned application has been withdrawn.”
Public response was significant, with nearly 350 comments submitted, approximately half of which opposed the project.
Dr Salim Mahadik, chairperson of the charity, expressed disappointment at having to ‘take a step back.
“As a charity we trying our best to meet a need of a relatively deprived community in Devon and Cornwall.” he said.
“We are clearly disappointed at being forced to take a backward step for now but we cannot give up on the people who have invested their hope in our charity.
“The charity’s primary goal is to establish a dedicated burial space for the Muslim community in Devon and Cornwall, which aligns with the original planning proposal.
“Currently, the Muslim community in our region is unable to carry out traditional burials due to the lack of a Muslim cemetery in Devon and Cornwall.”
Some residents have voiced their opposition to the plan, with Brian Hutchings commenting that “The application isn’t suitable in a Cornish farming community area.
Grazing land around the north side of South Hill Road near Callington, Cornwall (Image: SWNS)
“There are not enough Muslim people living in Cornwall to justify the need for this burial ground.”
Melvin Symmons, another objector, 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 resident added: “The proposed superscale burial site is incongruent to the local population need, specifically there is no local need for a Muslim burial site.”
An objector passionately claimed, “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.”
Additionally, Catherine Sawford expressed her concern, writing: “This development is having an impact on people’s mental health in the area.”
She continued, “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.”
Sawford also highlighted local pride, stating: “Here in Cornwall we are proud of our heritage and in particular our countryside and way of life.”
She warned: “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.”
Another community member, Jason Berry, took a stand against the proposals, labeling them “incongruent with our community’s character and traditions.”
He went on to say: “Only 0.2% of the local population identifies as Muslim, indicating minimal local demand for such a facility.”
Detailing further objections, he pointed out that “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.”
Berry insisted: “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.”
Despite these remarks, it is noted that several letters in support of the proposal were also received.
Calls are heightening for the provision of a Muslim burial ground in Devon and Cornwall as residents express their struggle to adhere to religious practices due to the lack of a local cemetery. Among multiple petitions, Dr Muhammad Ismail described the dire need: “We are a family of six living in the southwest for two decades.”
He emphasised the pressing requirement for facilities, saying: “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.”
The doctor also highlighted fundamental rights, saying that “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.”
Economic contributions by Muslim communities were brought up by Dr M Zeb Khan who wrote: “The number of Muslims continues to grow many of them like me contributing to the UK economy and society immensely.”
He noted how feeling welcomed involves acknowledging their burial customs, adding: “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’.”
Further supporting the need for local burial options, Dr Mirza Mohammad Feisal Beg Subhan said: “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.”
The pleas continued with Abul Azad’s input on the relief it would bring: “Providing free land for use as a cemetery is an immense relief for Muslim communities, particularly in areas with limited space.”
He also addressed a pressing issue, saying: “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.”