A PLANNING application to convert a former allotment site into an expansion of the city's Muslim cemetery has been officially submitted.

Plans to expand the Muslim burial ground at Scholemoor Cemetery date back several years, and in recent months works to prepare the site, off Necropolis Road, have been ongoing.

But now a full planning application has been submitted by Bradford Council that, if approved, will allow for the development to move to its next stage, and officially be designated as a cemetery.

Bradford Council says any works already done on the site were done through "permitted development" that does not require planning permission.

The site is a former allotment next to the cemetery but has been empty for over five years.

Plans will see the Muslim burial ground expanded onto the 15,150 square metre site.

Muslim burials rise in Bradford with plans for Scholemoor expansion

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “The recent work to prepare to extend the burial ground at Scholemoor Cemetery was carried out under Permitted Development rights with original investigative works done last year. The next stage of works needs to be carried out with full planning permission.

“This land has been designated for a number of years as burial ground as the extension forms part of a comprehensive Bereavement Strategy for the district.”

A decision on the application is expected in late July.

The work is part of the Council's ongoing bereavement strategy, which will include the rebuilding of Oakworth Crematorium.

Nab Wood Crematorium will be replaced by a new, modern crematorium off Long Lane in Heaton and Scholemoor Crematorium will be replaced with a new crematorium on a field off Shetcliffe Lane, Bierley.