Proposed Buddhist temple and retreat amended and readvertised

A proposed Buddhist temple and retreat which would see a 10m statue of Buddha erected in Wallacia has been put up for public exhibition for a second time.

Proposal for Buddhist temple and retreat open for public exhibition for a second time. Picture: Craig Wilson

• A whimsical, magical teatime
• Dingo pups, cuter than kittens — we guarantee it
• Plan to build 10m Buddha statue

A retreat and temple which would see a Buddha statue erected in Wallacia has been readvertised after changes were made to the design plan.

The previous proposal for 590 Bents Basin Rd submitted by Jadco Homes on behalf of the Vietnamese Buddhist Society of NSW was put on public exhibition at Wollondilly Council during September last year.

The council is again seeking feedback from residents after the design was changed from three large buildings to six smaller buildings for accommodation.

According to the council’s website, the change was made “to comply with the Building Code of Australia”. The plans also include a 10m-high statue of Buddha and a public place of worship.

The proposal would see a 10m-high statue of Buddha erected in Wallacia. Picture: Craig Wilson

“Based on the feedback that we got in the first round and council’s planners, some changes were made to the proposal to make it more compliant,” Wollondilly Councillor Matt Gould said.

“The size of the buildings has gone down. The council felt that the changes were large enough to ask for fresh feedback on the proposal.”

Mr Gould said the council had received “relatively small number of submissions” during the first exhibition last year.

“The issues raised were about access and the fact that it is flood-prone land and condition of Bents Basin Rd,” he said.

He said those living next to the build were more concerned about the “flow on effects and the scale” of the build rather than what it is.

The application and plans relating to the proposal may be inspected at the council’s offices on Menangle St, Picton, between 8.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays.

Submissions about the amended proposal can be received up until 5pm on June 11.

IN OTHER NEWS