Issa Brothers Face Opposition Over Proposed Muslim Cemetery to Address Burial Space Crisis in the UK

Two Muslim billionaire entrepreneurs, Zuber and Mohsin Issa, renowned for their transformative ventures in Asda, Cooplands and Leon, are at the center of a heated controversy in Lancashire. 

Their renewed proposal for a 45-acre Muslim cemetery has sparked strong opposition from local residents and councilors, fueling debates about environmental impact, public safety and preserving green-belt land. 

Local councilor Steve Smithson expressed the community’s concerns, stating, “Increased traffic from daily funerals, with numbers exceeding 400 during large events, would strain the road network, heightening the risk of accidents and contributing to higher carbon emissions.” 

At the forefront of opposition is Blackburn Road, described by Smithson as “the most dangerous road in Oswaldtwistle.” The anticipated surge in traffic from funeral processions and limited parking provisions have heightened concerns about road safety and the environmental toll. 

Environmental issues add another layer of complexity. The site’s high water table and susceptibility to seasonal flooding raise fears of groundwater contamination, potentially affecting nearby allotments and waterways. 

“Seasonal flooding further exacerbates these risks, with the lower fields frequently underwater for months,” Smithson warned. 

The controversy isn’t new. Earlier this year, an 85-acre proposal by the Issa brothers for the same location was withdrawn following significant backlash. In response to public feedback, the new plan has been scaled down, reducing burial plots from 35,000 to 12,250 and car parking spaces from 752 to 356. 

However, opponents, including the group ‘Say No to the Cemetery’, remain unsatisfied, citing continued fears over traffic congestion, environmental degradation and disruptions to Oswaldtwistle's greenbelt. Banners have been placed across town, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to hire experts to challenge the development. 

Despite the uproar, the Issa brothers, whose parents migrated from India, remain steadfast in their commitment to addressing the needs of the Muslim community. 

A spokesperson for the Issa Foundation emphasized, “Our charity is committed to supporting the communities we serve,” a spokesman stated. “We are proud to be part of the development of a cemetery in Oswaldtwistle – a vital community asset that meets an essential need and significantly enhances the current space.” 

The Foundation has highlighted its efforts to address community concerns through revised plans and consultations. “Based on our public consultation early this year, we have significantly reduced and revised the scheme to appease the concerns of residents,” the spokesman added. 

For Muslims in the UK, access to burial spaces is a pressing issue. Existing cemeteries like the Gardens of Peace are nearing capacity, underscoring the necessity for projects like the one proposed in Lancashire. The Issa brothers’ effort to cater to this growing need reflects their roots in a community that values dignified burial rites. 

As the planning application awaits a decision from Hyndburn Borough Council, the debate encapsulates broader challenges faced by Muslim communities in securing adequate burial grounds. 

Currently, the Gardens of Peace in East London, with its 10,000 burial plots, is the largest Muslim cemetery in the UK—underscoring the pressing need for more facilities.