Applicants behind a controversial Muslim cemetery in a Solihull village have put forward plans for extra burial places, meaning there would be 11,000 plots in total.
Applicants behind a controversial Muslim cemetery in a Solihull village have put forward plans for extra burial places, meaning there would be 11,000 plots in total.
The application for a 4000-plot Muslim cemetery in Catherine-de-Barnes, with buildings and 80 parking spaces, had originally been submitted last January but was withdrawn after a backlash from local residents.
In July Cemetery Development Services resubmitted the plans and have now put forward a second application to build a multi-faith cemetery with 7,000 plots and a 90-space car park.
Local residents have objected strongly to the plans, raising concerns about the impact on traffic and greenbelt land. But the cemeteries have received backing from the Muslim community in the area.
Under Islamic law, Muslims are traditionally buried in their own section of land. But leader of Solihull Council, Bob Sleigh, says the needs of local people could be met at current plots in the area.
Both applications go before Solihull Council's planning committee next month.
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