RESIDENTS are opposing a plan by the Exclusive Brethren church to build a $1.27 million meeting hall and subdivide six residential blocks in Forum Drive, Heathcote.
The 2.35-hectare block is located between the two cul-de-sacs of Forum Drive north and south and was sold to the church by Landcom by public tender in 2009.
Brethren spokesman Warwick John said the new hall would replace the church’s existing hall in Rosebery Street, Heathcote, which it has used since 1974.
The proposed 645-square-metre hall will cater for between 25 and 400 people at normal weekly and monthly services, although it will be able to hold up to 900 worshippers on rare occasions.
The six residential blocks will be sold.
Residents are angry at the January 19 deadline for public submissions.
‘‘We don’t care who operates the land, but this is about the Heathcote community’s concerns at an inappropriate development,’’ residents’ spokesman Warren Lane said.
They are concerned about extra traffic and the safety of residents and visitors in the event of bushfire.
‘‘There is just going to be too much traffic in the area,’’ Mr Lane said.
‘‘There is significant concern at the impact of a large development on the surrounding bushland. It’s an area that has been used by the public since the area was opened up 40 years ago.’’
Mr Lane urged residents to write to their councillors calling for more time for submissions.
Cr Bruce Walton is also concerned at the effect on traffic and potential bushfires.
‘‘Historically, when there has been bushfire activity, it has come through this area,’’ Cr Walton said.
‘‘Even though the church has a bushfire plan to extract people they will still have difficulty getting through, given the narrowness of the roads,’’ Cr Walton said.
Mr John said a private road through the site will remain open to emergency vehicles and neighbours during a bushfire alert.
‘‘If there is a bushfire alert, the council has been advised we would cancel all meetings at the church.
‘‘We appreciate the concerns of locals about possible additional traffic as church members have long been part of the Engadine-Heathcote community,’’ he said.
‘‘Every Sunday morning a small congregation travelling in about 10 cars will attend the hall for a 6am service.
‘‘Every third Sunday at 10.30am, between 300 and 400 people, travelling in no more than 100 cars, will attend a 90-minute service. ‘‘A similar number will attend a 7.45pm service every Thursday.
‘‘A service for 900 people may be held no more than once every three years. It is only a seldom occasion.’’
What do you think of the proposal to build the new church meeting hall?
Residents have started a website heathcoteresidents.org.au opposing the development.
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