14.1 C
Manchester
Thursday, July 10, 2025
NewsCommunity Opposes Cemetery on Green Belt Land

Community Opposes Cemetery on Green Belt Land

Residents of Oswaldtwistle are taking a stand against a proposed cemetery development on Green Belt land following the submission of a new planning application. Concerns over environmental damage, flooding risks, and traffic hazards have reignited local opposition.

A public meeting held this week, organised by local ward councillors and residents, was filled to capacity, demonstrating the strength of community resistance.

The plan, championed by the development arm of the Issa brothers, has been criticised as unnecessary and poorly thought out. Campaigners argue that the proposal would harm the rural landscape, displace wildlife, and exacerbate flood risks. The site, currently a valued agricultural area, could see high levels of traffic, with large funerals expected to attract over 400 attendees, leading to significant urbanisation of the green space.

Environmental and Groundwater Concerns

The proposed site’s geology and high water table pose a risk of groundwater contamination, potentially affecting nearby allotments, gardens, and waterways. Seasonal flooding already impacts the land, raising fears that the development could worsen environmental conditions and harm local aquifers, springs, and ecosystems downstream.

Distrust in Developers’ Record

The community’s mistrust of Monte Blackburn Ltd, the Issa brothers’ development firm, stems from past planning issues. Frontier Park, a project on the same road, has faced widespread criticism for unauthorised expansions and reliance on retrospective permissions, prompting concerns about potential regulatory breaches with the cemetery proposal.

Safety and Sustainability Challenges

The increase in traffic from daily funerals, particularly large events drawing hundreds of mourners, has raised alarms over safety on Blackburn Road, described as “Oswaldtwistle’s most dangerous road.”

The development also contradicts Hyndburn Borough Council’s climate emergency declaration by encouraging long-distance travel. Campaigners point out that most visitors to the site would travel by car, further contributing to the area’s carbon emissions.

Impact on Local Wildlife and Heritage

Protected species such as red-listed birds, bats, and deer are at risk of displacement, while the agricultural heritage and rural aesthetic of the land would be permanently altered. Campaigners stress that the area’s cultural and environmental value must be preserved.

Claims of Exclusion

Opponents argue that the proposed cemetery would largely cater to one religious group, excluding the majority of Oswaldtwistle residents. They highlight a needs assessment confirming that existing burial facilities in Hyndburn are sufficient for the next 90 years.

United Call to Action

The community is urging decision-makers to reject the application, citing long-term maintenance concerns and the risk of Hyndburn Council inheriting financial responsibility for an ill-suited development.

Disappointed by the MP’s absence at the public meeting, residents are pressing for greater political support. They have launched a website, saynothecemetery.com, alongside a GoFundMe campaign to bolster their fight. Campaigners are calling on the Issa brothers to reconsider, urging them to recognise the harm the proposal has caused to the community.

News Desk
News Deskhttps://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/
The Business Manchester News Desk team is a collective of experienced journalists and editors dedicated to delivering comprehensive business news and insights from the Manchester area and beyond. With a strong background in finance, technology, property, and innovation, our team ensures that our readers stay well-informed about the latest trends and developments in the business world. Through in-depth reports and insightful analysis, the Business Manchester News Desk team is committed to providing high-quality journalism to its audience.
Latest

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Left Behind by the Algorithm: AI Benefits Bosses, But Workers Struggle to Keep Up

• Senior managers are far more likely to use AI than junior staff, new study finds • 73% of leaders use AI each month, compared...

Your Help Hub Extends Handyman Services Nationwide Amid Surging UK Demand

Your Help Hub, a fast-growing name in home maintenance and improvement, has launched its handyman services nationwide to better serve the needs of customers...

Reliable auto locksmith services in Manchester: Everything you need to know

Car keys are essential to our daily lives, yet they are more vulnerable than we might think. In the lively city of Manchester, where...

More News

Heroin and cocaine dealers sentenced in Oldham

Five men have been jailed for their role in a drug line operating in Chadderton which was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Manchester Crown...

Van driver drove up to 100mph on wrong side of M60

A driver who reached speeds of up to 100mph and drive the wrong way down the motorway, has been arrested. At 7.45pm on Tuesday, police...

Six-year-old girl killed in Rochdale collision

Police are appealing for information after a child died following a collision in Rochdale last night. At around 5.35pm, a Range Rover was travelling westbound...