Glenhaven residents hit out over plans for large-scale mosque on Glenhaven Rd
GLENHAVEN residents have argued a lack of infrastructure and protection of green space should prevent a mosque from being approved for Larapinta Place.
Hills Shire
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GLENHAVEN residents have argued a lack of infrastructure and protection of green space should prevent a mosque from being approved for Larapinta Place.
The Hills District Muslim Society has raised more than $4 million over several years to build a mosque to service the “growing community in the northwest district of Sydney”.
Despite the Society’s comment, there is no major representation of Islamic religious affiliation in Glenhaven or the surrounding suburbs of Castle Hill, Kellyville or Cherrybrook according to census data.
“This is not about race or religion,” Friends of Glenhaven representative Rick Allison told the Times. “We welcome people from all backgrounds to live in harmony in our sleepy little town.
“But a massive mosque is not suitable when it comes down to the level of infrastructure in our rural area.”
Mr Allison said bushland would be cleared for a 116-space carpark and Glenhaven Rd would be brought to a standstill if the development was approved.
“We aren’t even connected to the sewer line out here, so the size and scale of this development just does not suit the area,” Mr Allison said.
“The mosque in Marsden Park and Hillsong at Norwest are both in perfect locations to meet the needs of the community, they are close to public transport, housing and infrastructure and the scale of the facility don’t have a negative impact on the wider community.
“This development … would impact us all dramatically.”
The plan includes the construction of two, two-storey buildings comprising a main prayer hall and secondary prayer hall, meeting room, counselling rooms, a child minding area as well as four classrooms and an administration office.
Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said hours of operation and loss of amenities were other concerns.
“Glenhaven Rd is at capacity, particularly given it is now a major thoroughfare with the new release areas of North Kellyville and Box Hill coming online,” Cr Byrne said.
“With the growth of surrounding suburbs, the traffic along Glenhaven Rd is only going to get worse — without the addition of further large scale development along this road.
“I encourage residents who have concerns with the proposed development to make a submission during the exhibition period.”