By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A PROPOSED church opposite an under-construction mosque and a Samoan church has been rejected by Greater Dandenong Council for encroaching on an “intact” light-industrial zone.
In a meeting last month, councillors – in concord with council officers – voted against the Destiny Impact Worship Centre proposal for a 20-person congregation at 24 Claredale Road, Dandenong, on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.
According to a council report, the proposal also fell short of the required six on-site parking spaces.
Councillor Matthew Kirwan, in support of the application, said the small congregation size and limited opening hours would not affect neighbouring businesses.
He said he felt “duty-bound” to support the proposal in a light-industrial area rather than residential streets.
“It is a good opportunity to put a place of assembly away from where it could affect residential parking.”
Councillor Sean O’Reilly, in opposition, said it would be an “island amongst industry”.
“I think there would be plenty of places in our municipality which would support a place of worship (for four hours a week).”
Councillor John Kelly said aside from his parking concerns, the proposed church would limit future industrial uses in the area.
“To allow just one (on-site) parking space is unforgiveable when we need six or seven. I think this is the most inappropriate area.”
He said it was important to support industrial areas as the “backbone” of this city. “It’s about jobs.”
On the opposite corners of the street – within a City of Casey industrial zone – are the neighbouring places of worship.
One hundred metres away on the Casey side is a residential estate.
On the Greater Dandenong side of the road is what council officers describe as an “intact industrial area” bound by Plunkett Road, Lonsdale Street, Box Street and Claredale Road.
Church proponent Richard Boateng was unavailable for comment.
