Islamic Burial Ground Plan for Devon and Cornwall

A dedicated cemetery for use by the Islamic community could be built for Muslims in Devon and Cornwall. Gardens of Mercy (GoM), a newly registered charity, said it is in the process of submitting a planning application to Cornwall Council for a natural cemetery near Callington.

The charity said it would seek planning permission for a “change of use” on land it owns on the north side of South Hill Road. They also plan to use at least 75 percent of the site to increase biodiversity, including a wood pasture and wildflower meadow.

A leaflet seen by CornwallLive said: “Gardens of Mercy is a registered charity which aims to provide a cemetery for Muslims who require a dedicated plot of land for the burial of their deceased. This is an obligatory necessity for Muslims, as only the burial of the deceased is permitted. Cremation is permitted. Not Accepted.

“As there is no nearby cemetery providing burials on dedicated grounds for Muslims in Devon and Cornwall, the nearest being in South Gloucestershire, the charity’s main focus is to meet this need.”

The leaflet also states that sufficient space will be provided for car and utility vehicle parking on the one-acre site, which is off South Hill Road.

No formal request for burial has yet been submitted. However, a public consultation was held at the Balti King Restaurant on 11 June, where the charity invited members of the local community to attend to explain the project in more detail.

There are currently two burial grounds in Cornwall that have allocated Muslim space. These are in Penzance Cemetery and St Columb Major Cemetery.