Brimbank council has ignored officer recommendations and rejected plans for a Sikh temple at Keilor North, saying it is not “appropriate” for the area.
Star Weekly revealed in March that the Sikh Cultural Society of Victoria wanted to redevelop an existing building it owns on Highland Road as a temple to be used for weddings and as a “place of worship” for up to 100 followers.
The plan prompted a petition with 60 signatures in favour of the temple going ahead and 18 objections. Several people also campaigned against the plan at a forum earlier this month.
Concerns cited noise, traffic and dust issues, and a “loss of tranquillity” in the area.
Last week, administrators upheld these concerns and rejected the council officers’ recommendation to approve the temple plan.
Officers said the plan “reflects the scale of existing buildings typically found in the area”, was “suitable” and “unlikely to significantly impact on the amenity of the area”.
The owner also offered to seal part of Highland Road, which officers said would have offset “amenity impacts of dust emissions”.
But administrator Jane Nathan said the council rejected the permit to protect the landscape of a green wedge area and its scenic values.
“It [the temple] would cause a fundamental change to the character of the area,” she said.
Fellow administrator John Tanner agreed. “It’s not an appropriate use of the area,” Mr Tanner said.
Society president Sukhdeep Singh Deol told Star Weekly in March that the temple would accommodate a growing number of followers from Taylors Lakes, Keilor Downs and Hillside.
He did not reply to requests for comment after the council’s decision.
