Locals have fiercely opposed the development of a massive new £4.4 million cemetery near their homes, branding it “wholly unacceptable”. Residents were unsettled by plans revealed earlier this month for a new cemetery on land located behind Halifax Road in Nelson, Lancashire.
Initially intended for the town’s significant Muslim community, the project has evolved into a multi-faith burial ground, according to LancsLive. However, objectors argue that race plays no part in their concerns, and are instead worried that the land isn’t suitable. The plot slopes, is prone to flooding, and surrounded by houses and natural habitats. Peter Wilkinson, a local resident and father of two, has been at the forefront of the community’s opposition to the proposed cemetery for approximately two years. His home on Halifax Road shares its boundary with the prospective burial site.
Peter, along with his dog Eric, frequents the site daily. He remembered playing and camping there as a child and is heartbroken over the potential loss of the space.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s an absolute travesty. It’s such a wonderful area. Me and my mates used to have a great time exploring there when we were kids and my children played there.
“This isn’t a case of nimbyism or racism. The site is just wholly unsuitable. There’s a reason why previous planning applications for this land were refused.”
Another local who has a direct view of land from his home said his wife had considered moving should the plan for the 4,500-plot cemetery be approved.
He added: “I wouldn’t bury a loved one there and I wouldn’t want to live next to a cemetery out of respect. We shouldn’t be displacing animals and all the wildlife from their homes. It goes against everything any religion stands for.
“The land is just not suitable. The council bought the land without doing a survey and since they’ve started doing them they’ve had to reduce the amount of land they can use by 35%.”
Local campaigners have distributed leaflets to raise awareness about the council’s activities, with many recipients previously unaware of the developments.
Responding to concerns, a council spokesperson assured that Pendle Borough Council adheres to the consultation process as legally required.
They confirmed that within four years, the existing cemetery on Walton Lane is expected to reach its capacity. The proposed 6.3-hectare site off Edge End Avenue and Halifax Road in Nelson would offer approximately 4,500 graves for Pendle residents.
