Russian Orthodox Church plans approved by Blacktown Council
Plans have been approved for a grand church in Blacktown — set to cost $450,000 to build — which will include spires and domes similar to that seen in Moscow.
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Blacktown will soon be home to a grand new Orthodox Church after plans were approved by a local planning panel.
The $450,000 development, which went before Blacktown Council’s independent planning panel last month, was given the green light after plans were lodged by the local chapter of the Russian Orthodox Church in March.
The plans involve the construction of a place of worship, a bell tower and parking on the corner of Kildare Rd and Lancaster St.
Planning documents reveal the existing Pokrov Church site, which incorporates a single-storey church, enclosed marquee and shed, would be re-used as a congregation hall for worshippers.
Artist impressions reveal the grand design of the proposed church, which will include a 24.5m bell tower and gold onion domes, famously associated with Russian architecture.
Once built, the church is expected to cater up to 50 patrons during special events and about half this number during regular church services.
The church would host services on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to other church activities from Thursday to Saturday.
An acoustic report identified the potential for noise nuisance from the church’s bell tower, with the bell only to be used during weekend services.
As part of the application, the church sought approval to extend the building height limit by 15m to accommodate a the bell tower and spires.
In approving the plans, the panel said the development was acceptable as it would “add to the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the city”. The panel also approved the request to extend the building height limit.
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