Arncliffe Coptic Orthodox Church faces petition over parties, ‘illegal’ expansion

A Sydney church that has hosted at least two former PMs has drawn the ire of its neighbours for interrupting peace and quiet with parties, foul language and an ‘illegal’ expansion.

Residents have signed a petition requesting that steps be taken to stop alleged illegal expansion, work, activities, and subsequent nuisance at St Mark Coptic Church in Arncliffe. Picture: Google Maps

A Sydney church that has hosted at least two former prime ministers has drawn the ire of its neighbours for interrupting their peace and quiet with parties, foul language and an “illegal” expansion.

More than 200 residents living next to an Arncliffe church claim members of the parish have not complied with a development application and worshippers have caused “unbearable noise” from large gatherings and parties.

Petition signatories claimed there had been unauthorised Sunday school and vacation care, late night gatherings, offensive language, property damage and litter.

The petition submitted to the Bayside Council general manager and councillors requests steps be taken to “end the illegal expansion, work, activities, and subsequent nuisance” allegedly being carried out at the St Mark Coptic Christian Orthodox Church.

The petition was discussed at the council meeting on Wednesday night, with members of both sides speaking on the issues.

The councillors agreed to host a meeting with the parties to discuss the concerns.

Former prime ministers Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull both visited the church during their terms leading the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended Mass at St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church at Arncliffe in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Residents neighbouring the church have alleged there are 12 nuisances and other complaints, which have been reported to the council

A council report said staff were aware of the issues and instigated a compliance process to address various matters with the church.

“The expansion of activities into residential areas and the further creep of a leisure park is becoming uncontrollable, unsafe, unreasonable and is without regulation,” the petition said.

“We demand immediate action to remove the expansion and stop all associated activities that have caused us much disturbance, property damage and untold stress.”

The residents allege the church has not complied with its development application and zoning; has demolished and removed asbestos material without notice, worshippers had caused “unbearable noise” from large gatherings and parties as well as cited health concerns.

The residents also claimed there were safety concerns because of near misses from objects thrown over fences, children jumping fences and stated they were concerned about their privacy.

Petition signatories claimed there had been unauthorised Sunday school and vacation care, late night gatherings, parking and traffic congestion, offensive language, property damage and litter.

“This … must stop now to ensure our neighbourhood is returned to all of us to enjoy, as this is affecting our health, safety, wellbeing and quality of life,” the petition said.

The church has hosted two Prime Ministers. In 2017, former PM Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy attended a service at St Mark's Coptic Church in Arncliffe after the government announced it would review asylum cases Egyptian people fleeing ISIS. Picture: Britta Campion

Church secretary Mina Hanna said the church had been on the site since 1979 and had recently expanded its land holdings to accommodate the growing congregation.

“We are aware some neighbours are concerned about the general activities of the church,” he said.

“The land they are referring to is only in use for two hours on a Saturday and two hours on a Sunday.

“The rest of the time it is vacant, quiet and clean.”

Mr Hanna said church representatives had spoken with neighbours and the council regularly, and had notified neighbours when major services and events were on, as well as had a hot phone if residents had immediate complaints.

“This issue is a bit of a storm in a teacup,” he said. “We work with all residents and council to ensure we address issues,” he said.

“We categorically deny any anti-social behaviour and pride ourselves on our youth and children who are well behaved.

“We also manage the parking situation and we have scouts walking the streets.

“There is generally no parking in Arncliffe, even without a church service.

“We encourage our parishioners to park near the train station and take our shuttle bus.”

Mr Hanna said church representatives had complied with all relevant orders the council had made and would continue to do so.

The council report noted there had been meetings with adjoining property owners and separately with representatives from the church.

The report said the council issued orders concerning unauthorised activities and structures on four properties the church owned.

The orders sought the demolition of unauthorised structures and requested the unauthorised use stop.

The council report noted staff would monitor compliance with the orders and take appropriate action.