By Laura Wakely
THE VICTORIAN Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has overturned Brimbank City Council’s refusal of a Buddhist temple in Sunshine.
Council turned down the application for a $450,000 double storey temple, containing residence for a monk, a small library, kitchen and laundry facilities, at 10 Station St after it was presented to council in March last year.
More than 300 people signed a petition objecting the development, and council received a total of seven objectors, each concerned about the added noise and traffic the temple could bring to the neighbourhood.
Council deemed the project to be inappropriate for the area and decided there was not enough car parking in the area for the temple or enough room to create adequate spaces on site.
The Hue Quang Compassionate Buddhist Association appealed to VCAT in June and was granted approval last month.
However, there have been conditions placed on the design and operation of the temple.
Worshippers are limited to 20 each day in order to fit requirements for car parking.
During Buddhist festivals and significant ceremonies, this number may increase to 50 people on-site.
Council will review the changes at a planning meeting in Delahey next month.
