A CHRISTIAN movement will be allowed to build its sixth worship hall in Wyndham despite the council receiving 81 objections to the development.
Werribee Gospel Trust applied to the council on behalf of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church to build a worship hall on a 1.2-hectare site on Duncans Road near Filmont Drive.
The trust plans to build an 800-seat worship hall on the land after outgrowing its church on the corner of Werribee and Mambourin streets, Werribee.
It also has smaller worship halls on Werribee’s Pyke and Swallow streets and Manor Lakes Boulevard, Manor Lakes.
A fifth hall is planned for Ballan Road, Werribee.
Residents near the Duncans Road site submitted to council 81 objections to the development, arguing that the church would increase traffic on Duncans Road and was not in keeping with neighbourhood character. They were also concerned they would be disturbed by noise coming from the church during services.
Councillors last week approved a permit by five votes to four, after mayor Heather Marcus vacated the chair to urge council to allow the development.
“I happen to live next to a religious organisation . . . we respect each other and I am very happy to live next door to an organisation as the one I do,” Cr Marcus said.
“I spoke to . . . people who are next to where [the church] is now in Mambourin Street and they are happy for them to stay because they respect everybody and they don’t make any noise.
‘‘The proposal will provide a facility for a sector of the local community which is able to accommodate the congregation’s growth over time.”
Trustee Tony Cook was pleased the council had approved the development. He said the trust accepted 49 conditions that officers had placed on the planning permit, such as submitting a traffic and parking management plan before construction could begin.
Mr Cook said a new hall was needed as the current facility was old and could not accommodate the growing congregation.
“We fully understand and appreciate the neighbours’ concerns that have been raised.
‘‘We have taken their concerns seriously and incorporated them in our design, and we believe that the council’s decision [last Monday] confirm this,” he said.
“We are very confident that when this project is completed it will have a positive impact on the local amenity.”
