Plans for 8,500-plot Muslim cemetery withdrawn

Plans to convert farmland into an 8,500-plot Muslim cemetery in Cambridgeshire have been withdrawn following criticism that the project was oversized and unsuitable.

The Green Meadows charity wanted to develop the site in Sutton, near Peterborough, incorporating a prayer hall, landscaped grounds, and areas for quiet reflection.

Local parish councils objected to the proposals, raising concerns about traffic impact and loss of farmland.

Peterborough City Council planning officers recommended that councillors refuse the project at a committee meeting on Tuesday, but the application has been withdrawn.

Tokeer Tufail, of Green Meadows, said the "calm and reflective space" would be open to the public, and said there was a "desperate need" for Muslim burial provision in the region.

This was echoed by the National Burial Council, which represents Muslim bereavement services.

In a joint statement, 21 local imams said: "[It] helps to preserve cultural identity and strengthens sense of community."

A decision on the proposal was already delayed in October, after Green Meadows provided extra detail about how many people could be buried there.

Ailsworth Parish Council said the scale of the development was "disproportionate to local burial needs" and "incongruent with the area's rural character".

Sutton and Castor parish councils also objected.

In October, Peterborough First councillor Gavin Elsey, who represents nearby Wittering, pointed out that an 8,000-plot burial ground was due to be built in Great Haddon near Yaxley.

Although the council pointed out this likely would not open until 2032.

The Green Meadows application drew more than 600 responses from residents and community groups, with about 450 in support and approximately 230 objections.

The BBC has asked the charity why it withdrew its application.

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