Geelong councillors poised to reject Hindu temple proposal at Lara

Geelong councillors are set to reject plans for a Hindu temple in Lara, despite only one objection and a Buddhist temple existing only 400m from the proposed site.

Geelong councillors are poised to refuse a planning ­application to build a Hindu temple in Lara, despite receiving just one objection to the proposal and even though a Buddhist temple is located just 400m from the site.

The City of Greater Geelong’s planning committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to consider a recommendation to refuse a planning permit for a place of worship on Research Rd.

The $450,000 proposal, revealed in October, aims to build an ornate single-storey temple on the large property, to be used as a place of worship for people who practise BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a branch of the Hindu faith.

The proposed temple includes an assembly hall, prep-kitchen, storage and 30 parking spaces to accommodate up to 60 worshippers.

The Lara Hindu temple proposal includes an assembly hall, prep-kitchen, storage and 30 parking spaces to accommodate up to 60 worshippers.

But despite the council receiving just one objection, an unnamed councillor “called in” the application to be considered by the planning committee panel of councillors.

A report prepared for the committee recommends rejecting a planning permit for reasons including being inconsistent with numerous policy directions and the primary purpose of the rural living zone.

“In addition, the proposed development does not have support in the scheme for the built form which is large, bulky, and inconsistent with the character of the locality,” the report notes.

The single objection lodged against the temple application cites concerns with proposed operating hours, number of patrons, building design, traffic impact, location and “potential for the site to cater for the growth of the cultural group”.

The proposed temple’s 20,225sq m site is within the councils’ northern growth zone, earmarked for major residential development.

Planning documents submitted last year included ­proposed operating hours of 5pm-8pm daily, and from 8am-11am on Sundays.

“The growing number of Hindu faith and Indian background families in and around the Greater Geelong area have presented a unique opportunity to build a new temple so the patrons from Geelong and surrounds can more easily attend congregations and events,” the documents note.

“The proposal’s architecture is designed to induce certain behaviours and emotions that engender an attitude of contemplation within the worshipper. This is important to the Hindu community who desires a place of worship within the Lara area.

“The building would host a variety of weekly activities: members of the community who would attend weekly assemblies on the weekend and attend for quiet prayer through the week after work.

“There are no weddings, or funerals as part of the function … There is one annual festival during October, however, there are no additional members expected at this event than the maximum number of members,” they said.

Originally published as Geelong councillors poised to reject Hindu temple proposal at Lara