UK: Cemetery for Muslims set to be built in Kempston

A cemetery for Muslims is set to be built in Kempston after Bedford Borough Council gave the plans the green light.

The council’s planning committee voted in favour of the plans for land at Box End, Green End Road, Kempston at a meeting held earlier.

The site is located to the west of Box End Road and the existing Kempston Cemetery and comprises approximately 3.7 hectares of agricultural land.

Speaking in support of the application, councillor Nesreen Akhtar (Labour, Queens Park) told the committee that current council provisions do not meet the Muslim community’s needs.

“For example, they do not offer seven days a week burial services, Muslims need to bury their deceased as soon as possible,” she said.

“Another issue is that plots are offered on a leasehold of 70 years, Muslims do not want their loved ones disturbed and need a freehold provision.”

“The fact that the project is self-funded indicates that it is a need in the Muslim community,” she said.