Plymouth Brethren Christian Church plan for Lysterfield sparks backlash
A plan by the controversial Exclusive Brethren to build a church for up to 1000 people in a Green Wedge area of outer-eastern Melbourne has been condemned by neighbours. And it’s not the first time the organisation has angered locals.
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An unholy row is brewing between a group of Lysterfield neighbours and a church’s proposal to build a place of worship in the green wedge zone.
Plans lodged with Knox Council reveal the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, also known as the Exclusive Brethren, wants to build a 756sq m building at 1470 Wellington Rd that would regularly accommodate up to 850 people and occasionally up to 1000 people.
A total of 251 car spaces is proposed, with access via an entrance off Glen Rd.
Neighbours have expressed concerns about increased traffic, especially on days of high bushfire risk, and the impact on the environment.
But Brethren spokesman Lance Nipper said the church would be a “good neighbour” and had plans in place to address the concerns.
Mr Nipper said the church had a significant community in Lysterfield and surrounds, and a good relationship with the local community, and its building plans reflected that.
But it’s not the first time a proposal from the church has upset neighbours.
Residents also had issues with the church’s plans to build a smaller hall at 2 Rathgar Rd, that has now been completed and is operating.
Gareth Stephen lives near the proposed new development and said he was worried about the impact on the environment and native wildlife, as well as increased traffic, which he said the nearby dirt roads would not be able to cope with.
“There is not the infrastructure to support the kind of traffic they’re talking about having,” Mr Stephen said.
He said he was worried the proposal could set a precedent for the area.
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Fellow neighbour Steve Marshall said such a large carpark didn’t suit the area and was worried about traffic and safety of cars exiting on to Wellington Rd.
“And just the size — they’re talking about having up to 1000 people at times — I don’t think it suits the area,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s nothing to do with who they are or their religion, it’s just the amount of people (they’re proposing).”
Mr Nipper said the church could seal part of Glen Rd near the church and upgrade the nearby intersection, subject to VicRoads approval, to include widening and a turning lane, all at its cost.
Mr Nipper said the church would have appropriate bushfire plans in place.
“You won’t be able to see the building from the street; it will have a curved roof with a colour that also minimises visual impact, and obviously the lights will be kept off when we’re not there,” he said.
A place of worship is allowed in the green wedge zone.
Residents can have their say on the plan on Knox Council’s website.