Plymouth Brethren Group propose new place of public worship
A Christian sect has plans to expand its reach in Wagga with a proposal to transform a residential block of land into a place of worship and social centre for 50 people.
The Wagga News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Wagga News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Christian sect will seek to build a new church in Wagga’s south for a growing congregation which has moved to the area.
The Kooringal Gospel Trust – who represent the local Wagga Brethren congregation – have submitted a development application to Wagga Council for a single storey place of worship at 53 Gregadoo Road in Lake Albert.
The proposed meeting hall will be in the style of a residential home and would have the capacity of 50 people, with 13 car spaces, a meeting room, lobby and front porch.
“The proposed development will provide a meeting place for members to undertake religious worship,” the applicants wrote.
“The reason for relocation to Gregadoo Road is to be closer to where most of the members are located.”
The applicants said the proposed church would operate weekly on Mondays and Sundays for about 50 people between 6am and 7am and 6pm and 7pm.
Local Trustee from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Wagga, Carl Napier, said the application to build a new meeting hall was so it could be closer to where many members live in Lake Albert and replace their exisiting hall in Kooringal.
“We have taken considerable care to design a meeting hall that is sympathetic to the surrounding area and nature of the site,” Mr Napier said.
“The building design is similar to a residential dwelling, so it blends in with the neighbouring streetscape and residential surrounds and there is extensive landscaping throughout the site and perimeter.
“Carparking is provided on site and the expected hours of operation are limited.”
Mr Napier said the proposed site was compatible with the local neighbourhood.
“We take pride in being respectful, kind, and peaceful neighbours and this has been demonstrated by our meeting hall in Kooringal which has been operating for the last 50 years without concern,” Mr Napier said.
“The proposed new hall will be used for quiet reflection and prayer for members of our church community.
“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the proposed hall with the community.”
In the development application, the applicants wrote, “It will provide social benefits to the local community while providing a new place of worship to residents in the area and will contribute to building a stronger community sentiment.”
The building will also be used counselling, social events, instruction or religious training if approved.
“As the premises are located in a local neighbourhood, at least 30 per cent of families would walk to the premises thereby reducing traffic congestion.”
The land is currently vacant and has no vegetation or trees on site.
The Brethren group currently operate out of four other Wagga locations in Tolland, Kooringal, Bourkelands and Tatton.
More Coverage
Highway van bust allegedly uncovers 17,000 vapes
A man has been charged after police allegedly seized a huge amount of vapes worth nearly $900,000 during a vehicle stop in the state’s south.
Johns/Daley Cup: Top-10 talking points from round one
There were fast starts, epic comebacks and telepathic connections. Check out the top-10 talking points from round one of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups.