A MUCH-TALKED about proposal which sought to build a Hindu temple in the Green Wedge Zone of Whittlesea on 330 Grants Road, Woodstock, has been denied by the City of Whittlesea following widespread community attention.
At the October 14 council meeting, Council had to navigate the proposal, with 753 submissions, made up on 366 objections and 385 letter of support, as well as petitions which was for and against the proposal.
However, the City of Whittlesea, in carrying the motion unanimously to reject the permit, said the proposal did not fit the urban growth boundary in the Green Wedge Zone, despite recognising the emotion attached to both sides.
The applicant, in the meantime, will still be able to appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Councillor Christine Stow said she wanted to remain consistent with previous rulings on applications in the Green Wedge.
“We welcome any buildings into the area, we welcome prayer and we welcome all faiths, but not in a Green Wedge. It’s not in the urban growth boundary,” she said.
“I have many people come to me with Green Wedge applications. Over the years, people have applied, and it takes hundreds and thousands of dollars and they still don’t get the outcome they want.
“This is not about the traffic that pass on the road, this is not about the built form, and it was not about the vegetation, it was about that this is a Green Wedge.
“It’s a Green Wedge because it’s a sensitive area.”
Referring to Woodstock and Eden Park as agricultural and rural land, Councillor Blair Colwell said the application would have ‘blurred lines’ between urban and rural character.
“This is an evidence-based decision assessed against the Whittlesea Planning Scheme and the Green Wedge Zone, with the conclusion being the application is not consistent with the purpose or relevant planning policies,” he said.
“Woodstock and Eden Park localities are predominantly agricultural and rural residential land use with minimal infrastructure and planning to effectively accommodate and introduce a mix of land uses.
“By introducing a new land use to the area, this will blur the lines between the urban and the rural characters of the area, the sight location a considerable distance from urban land in a rural location, and minimal services and amenities in the proximity.
“While acknowledging this has been an application which has drawn both enthusiastic support and vehement disapproval, I want to highlight these points as guiding principles in my decision-making process.
“I want to reaffirm that Whittlesea is a place for all, and celebrate all faiths, beliefs, cultural practices and people who are part of our community, and this has also been reflected in the planning decision.”
Councillor Jarrod Lappin said there was support from a large section of the Mernda community, and said he was open to working to provide a place of worship going forward.
“Speaking as the Councillor for Mernda Ward, there is considerable need for accessible sites that can be used as places of worship, and I acknowledge that many supporters were based in Mernda,” he said.
“Due to the various clauses in the planning scheme that conflict with this application, it’s clear that this site is not appropriate, but I would like to recognise the community need for these spaces and ask that the CEO consider how we may proceed with more clarity on preferred locations for places of worship in the City of Whittlesea to ensure the diverse needs of community are met and community spaces are delivered in accessible locations.”
Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor spoke to finish the discussion, emphasising that places of worship were needed in the City of Whittlesea to serve community needs, but not in a Green Wedge Zone.
“At the outset, I want to make it very clear that I believe every faith and religion has the right to a suitable place of worship, a place where individuals can gather in fellowship, practice their faith freely and contribute positively to our community,” he said.
“Equally, I believe that every planning application presented to this council, must be assessed to a process that allows extensive community consultation which is transparent, respectful, inclusive and free from any form of discrimination or misinformation.
“In considering this particular application, I have undertaken a detailed objective review over an extended period. I’ve listened carefully to the views expressed by members of the community, considered written submissions, examined officers’ report and recommendations, and reviewed the relevant statutory provisions that cover planning our municipality.
“In that context, I place strong emphasis on ongoing protection of the Green Wedge areas within our municipality. These areas are vital to our environment, agriculture and ecological integrity of Melbourne’s north, and the action plan reinforces protections against urban expansion and non-compatible land uses that would undermine the long-term value of the land.
“I’ve considered all factors and based on the material presented to council, I formed the decision that the location is not suitable for the application at hand, according, the objective planning reasons I’ve outlined, I am unable to support the planning permit, therefore, support this motion.”
