Hills Shire Council raise multiple objections to Glenhaven mosque

THE Hills Shire Council has released a critical report into a development application for the construction of a mosque in Glenhaven — outlining 17 reasons for refusal as part of the scathing assessment.

Friends of Glenhaven representative and objector Rick Allison at the location where the Glenhaven Mosque is being proposed. Picture: AAP Image/ Monique Harmer

THE Hills Shire Council has released a critical report into a development application for the construction of a mosque in Glenhaven — outlining 17 reasons for refusal as part of the scathing assessment.

The amended proposal for a 250 person mosque on the corner of Larapinta Pl and Glenhaven Rd, Glenhaven, saw more than 1000 objections, following its submission to the Hills Shire Council in April this year.

Council supported resident’s concerns around issues raised in regards to the proposal, including the fact that the development did not fit the nature of the suburb, should be proposed for a business or industrial precinct, increased the level of noise in the suburb, provided a lack of parking and would result in increased traffic congestion.

Objector Rick Allison at the location where the Glenhaven Mosque is being propsed. (AAP Image/ Monique Harmer)

However, council also identified positive implications of the applications approval.

“These submissions primarily related to the support of a permanent place of worship for the local Muslim community,” the report said.

“The submissions also indicate that the proposal is unlikely to impact existing residents.”

The council recommended the $7.5 million application be refused by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel, when it meets to determine the proposal on September 27.

A total of 250 worshippers could frequent the place of worship during peak times with several special services earmarked each year.

“The building, which has not been reduced in size, has capacity to accommodate 1900 people,” the report revealed.

The council report also supported residents fears that a revised development application to expand the number of worshippers could be submitted, following the approval of the proposal.

“The size and occupancy capacity of the proposed development is excessive for the maximum number of patrons stated by the applicant and will lead to a much greater number of patrons and consequent impacts,” the report said.

The report also suggested the applicant, Hills AWQAF on behalf of the Hills District Muslims society, failed to provide sufficient information relating to noise, ecological and environmental impacts.

REASONS FOR REFUSAL:

• The development is not in keeping with the low scale rural-residential nature of the area, and the 10 metre structure will have an adverse impact on the streetscape.
• A place of worship of this size is better suited to an area zoned business or industrial, similar to where Hillsong Church is.
• The nature of the development will result in large amounts of worshippers congregating for significant number of consecutive days which will have adverse impacts on the local amenity.
• The proposal will result in adverse noise impacts.
• The site does not have access to sewer.
• The parking provided is inadequate for the type of development.
• Cars will park along Glenhaven Rd and Larapinta Pl, which will be dangerous.
• Given the location it is unlikely that the worshippers will utilise public transport, therefore will need to rely on private transport.