Controversial plans to build a multi-faith cemetery next to a popular golf course have been rejected by Havering Council.

Monument Property Investments wanted to use 27 hectares of land next to Maylands Golf Club in Romford, off the A12 dual-carriageway, for the new burial ground.

But in the wake of strong opposition from residents, officers rejected the project saying it would be “detrimental” to the openness of the green belt land and have negative visual impact.

The result is music to the ears of Tony Manley, of the nearby Woodstock Avenue, who is manager of the neighbourhood watch team that has fought plans since their submission.

“It’s happy days,” he said. “I’ve had people emailing me about it. Not because of what it was for but because of the road problems it would cause.”

The group feared the cemetery would exaserbate issues at the Brook Street roundabout, which already causes “major problems” to traffic on the A12.

But they are not celebrating quite yet. Another application from a different developer for a burial ground on the land on the opposite side of the road is awaiting a decision.

Gardens of Peace, based in Ilford, is hoping the council approves plans for a new Muslim burial ground on the Oak Farm land over the road from Maylands Golf Club.

Burial is the only option in the Muslim community, and the cemetery plots need to be arranged on an east-west axis in order to face Mecca.

With the Gardens of Peace site in Ilford almost full, a committee member, Mohamed Omer, opened a new 5,000 plot burial ground in Hainault.

But now the trust wants to buy land in Romford to keep up with the increase in the Muslim population in north east London.

Tonly Manley said the neighbourhood watch team is opposing this application for the same reasons.

Havering Council will make its decision by March 23.

What do you think of the plans? Contact Sam Gelder on 020 8477 3810.