AT LAST Wednesday's ordinary council meeting, the Northam Shire voted 4-3 in favour of approving a brick and masonry building to be utilised as a new place of worship for the Brethren community on lot 378 (11) Fairway Bend, Northam.
"The trust assures anyone concerned it will ensure there is no disturbance caused to the community by noise or times of services."
- Applicant Bill Draffin
The topic drew debate in the chamber with councillor Ray Head speaking in favour of the application.
"This is an all-inclusive community and if you don't provide the lifestyle people want, people will go," Cr Head said.
He said both the Naltrexone clinic and Yongah Hill had faced opposition, but now "the community hardly hears a squeak from either".
Cr Denis Beresford said he opposed the proposed building's location and particularly the proposed early Sunday morning hours of operation from 5.30-8am.
"I have respect for the Brethren and their contribution is well received," Cr Beresford said.
"However if the congregation grows car numbers will too, which would affect the amenity of the district."
Cr Beresford said a church is exclusive and gives a sense of place to people who use it.
"But it gives the opposite feeling to people who don't," Cr Beresford said.
"If we approve this application we can set a precedent in not saying no to others.
"I would be happy to assist the Brethren to find another hall but I can't support this."
Cr Rob Tinetti agreed, saying the area was his main concern.
"I'm not worried about a place of worship but neighbouring people have bought blocks of land thinking of a quiet lifestyle," Cr Tinetti said.
Cr Ulo Rumjantsev said he understood both sides of the argument but said the current Brethren site on Goomalling Road has received no noise complaints since being established.
"They appear to be living in harmony and I support the motion," Cr Rumjantsev said.
Cr Kathy Saunders, in favour of the application, echoed Cr Rumjantsev, asking councillors how many noise complaints the Shire had received about other places of worship.
"Think about that," Cr Saunders said.
"There's probably more noise from the Link Theatre or one of our sporting clubs."
Deputy president Terry Little said with all expert advice considered, he would support the motion.
"For the people living up there I hope to heck we got the decision right," he said.
"I think we have."
With that, the application was supported by council.
The place of worship is zoned residential and will primarily be used on Monday nights between 5.30-7pm and Sunday morning between 5.30-8am, with an occasional gospel sermon on a Sunday afternoon.
The architecture of the building, designed to be a meeting hall, will be consistent with the quality and appearance of nearby houses.
The main room inside is approximately 100 square metres and will normally used by less than 50 people at a time.
Public consultation for the application commenced June 3 and closed June 25.
During the period, 13 submissions were received, consisting of 12 objections, one submission and a petition containing 54 signatures in objection.
Submissions generally raised concerns in relation to car parking, increased traffic and noise.
Trust spokesman Bill Draffin said the congregation appreciated the proactive and broad minded attitude of the council and the community but could understand the concerns held by some.
"The trust assures anyone concerned it will ensure there is no disturbance caused to the community by noise or times of services," Mr Draffin said.
"It is a privilege to be part of such a culturally vibrant and diverse community and the trust has no other intention than to work with the council and the community in cohesively doing our part to contribute to and progress Northam as a great place to live and to bring up a family."
