Opposition to Muslim graveyard on green belt site

The proposal will site a 31-acre cemetery close to Carmunnock on the outskirts of Glasgow.

The conservation village is a maze of leafy lanes and whitewashed cottages, with some buildings dating back to the 17th century, and has protected status.

Glasgow Central Mosque has proposed the graveyard, as it is running out of space in its cemetery at Cathcart.

The application was first made six years ago and it is hoped the cemetery may finally open in 12 to 18 months.

But villagers in Carmunnock are outraged and argue that the erosion of the green belt would lead to the decline of the village.

"If this is forced through, it will puncture such a massive hole in our green belt," said Tracy Crawford, a member of Carmunnock community council, which is opposing the development.

"By definition, there will be no village of Carmunnock. It will join up with the rest of Glasgow.

"Once something is punctured like this, other developments do follow."

She said there were no racist undertones to the protests.

"We have consistently opposed developments in the past," she said.

"This is not a matter of racism, it is about a green belt being broken."

Heads of the mosque have attempted to reassure villagers, claiming any development would not damage Carmunnock.

Bashir Maan, president of Glasgow Central Mosque, said: "We are going to keep it as a green area, we are not going to build anything there.

"The picturesque scenes will not be affected. The villagers have nothing to worry about. We will keep it as clean and beautiful as possible."