Councillors refuse to bless churches’ plans

THE CITY of Greater Dandenong has denied two churches a permit to build in an industrial zone.
The majority of councillors voted to refuse a planning permit for both the Springvale Alevi Cultural Centre, and Heaven on Earth Apostolic Life Ministries Incorporated who both applied to build a place of worship in Bryants Road, Dandenong.
The decision led to Cr Maria Sampey asking council officers where churches or places of worship were allowed to build in Dandenong.
“We refused another (place of worship) not so long ago,” Cr Sampey said.
“If residential areas are not appropriate as well, where can they go?”
She said it was proving a difficult task for churches to get a permit from the City of Greater Dandenong and called on officers to help ministries find a place that was suitable.
Development Services Manager Mal Baker said that the proposals were not being refused because of their background; it was because they didn’t meet the criteria needed to be granted a permit.
“Car parking is an issue,” Mr Baker said.
“The reasons for refusal are clearly set out in the officer’s report.”