A fresh row has erupted over controversial plans for a multi-faith cemetery.

A proposal submitted by Anisha Amin to create a large multi-faith burial ground and a chapel in Banstead was withdrawn in April last year, following widespread opposition.

However, a revised application was submitted to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council on July 29, seeking permission to build on 25 acres of pastureland in Croydon Lane.

Justin Smith, managing director of agent Cemetery Development Services, said: “People, in part, only get scared when they hear the term ‘multi-faith’.

“I think those people – who are unfortunately a very vocal minority – are twitchy almost to the point of paranoia.”

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More than 550 online objections have been submitted to the council, with most complaining either it would not be an appropriate use of residential greenbelt land.

Honor Donkin, of Heath Close, Banstead, wrote: “It is well-nigh impossible for Christians to be buried in a graveyard these days, so I can appreciate the (Muslim?) community would want to have somewhere to bury their dead.

“However, it would be better surely to grant permission for this to be placed away from a community.

“Please do not force it on us, rather allow the cemetery in an area that has not been developed, further out in the countryside.”

MP for Reigate Crispin Blunt also weighed in.

He said: “My constituents remain concerned that the change of use from arable farmland to a multi-faith cemetery would harm the character of the area.”

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Mr Diodato, of Longcroft Avenue, Banstead, added: “Justin Smith needs to get his facts straight. There’s nothing racist or Islamophobic about our objection to this.

“We bought these houses surrounded by green belt land and farm land, and we have a right to oppose plans to have a cemetery built right outside our door.”

A decision is expected to be made by Friday November 6, and the planning application can be viewed at reigate-banstead.gov.uk reference number 15/01690/F.