97 Hopetoun Park Road Hopetoun Park VIC 3340

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards,
Teresa Densley
Hopetoun Park resident

I am lodging this objection to a planning permit for 79 Hopetoun Park Rd Hopetoun Park Vic 3340.
We have anjoyed the relative peace and quiet in this area for over 20 years and one of the main reasons most residents live here,as well as large pockets of land to raise families and keep horses and enjoy semi rural life. Our estate has one road in and one road out and that is Hopetoun Park Rd. In an emergency we have no alternative to escape a bushfire or any other disaster,or the need for patient transport. If there is a planned centre with hundreds gathered on any given day we have additional traffic to contend with.
Please consider our objection.
Sincerely
Andrew Munro and family.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship at 97 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park VIC 3340. My concerns are based on the significant negative impacts this development would have on the residential character and environmental amenity of the Hopetoun Park area.

Hopetoun Park is characterized by its larger residential lots and semi-rural atmosphere, which residents specifically seek out to escape the urban rush and enjoy a peaceful, environmentally rich setting. The introduction of a large-scale place of worship is fundamentally incompatible with this established character. Such a development would irrevocably alter the landscape, replacing the existing open, green spaces with a structure that is out of place in a low-density residential zone and detrimental to the natural environment that defines our community. It's crucial to consider the existing residents, many of whom have lived here for years, and their right to maintain the lifestyle and environment they chose. This development disregards the long-standing community values and the established character of Hopetoun Park, imposing changes that are not in line with the wishes of those who have made this area their home.

Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the potential for increased traffic, parking issues, and noise pollution. A place of worship, by its nature, attracts gatherings of people and vehicles, particularly during services and events. Our local roads are not designed to handle a significant increase in traffic volume, and the availability of on-site parking is unlikely to mitigate the impact on street parking, leading to congestion and inconvenience for residents. The potential for noise from services, amplified sound, or increased activity at various times would also severely detract from the tranquility that residents value in Hopetoun Park.

For these reasons, I urge the council to reject this proposal. Approving this development would set a precedent that undermines the very essence of what makes Hopetoun Park a desirable place to live and would diminish the environmental quality and residential amenity that currently exists. We, the long-term residents, deserve a say in maintaining the unique character of our community, rather than having it altered by new developments that do not align with our established way of life.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards,

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards
Leanne & Anthony Salisbury

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards
William Gilford.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards,

Rebekah Forbes

I wish to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship at 97 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park VIC 3340.
My objection is based on the direct impact this proposal would have on surrounding residents, particularly in relation to traffic, parking, noise, operating hours, vehicle movements and the change in the character and amenity of the area.
The proposed site is located within an area characterised by large properties, open space, vegetation and a relatively low-density, semi-rural environment.
I believe that approving this proposal would be inconsistent with the existing semi-rural character of the area has the potential to significantly increase noise activity on the site.
Potential sources of amenity impacts include:
• vehicle arrivals and departures;
• vehicle doors and engines;
• pedestrian activity;
• conversations associated with large gatherings;
• amplified music or announcements;
• evening activities;
• outdoor gatherings;
• increased lighting; and vehicle headlights affecting surrounding properties, and wildlife, especially during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events.
These impacts should be assessed having regard to the existing relatively quiet nature of the locality. I am particularly concerned about the cumulative impact of these activities rather than any single source of noise or disturbance.
Furthermore, I am concerned that the proposal represents an overdevelopment of the site relative to its rural and semi-rural context and the effects it would have on native vegetation and habitats, wildlife and the tranquillity of Hopetoun Park, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events, where visitor access to the proposal site will be greatly increased.
To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Thank you
Tamanda Schlink

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards
Charlie Xuereb

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards,
Natalie Bodrozic

”
I wish to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship at 97 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park VIC 3340.
My objection is based on the direct impact this proposal would have on surrounding residents, particularly in relation to traffic, parking, noise, operating hours, vehicle movements and the change in the character and amenity of the area.
The proposed site is located within an area characterised by large properties, open space, vegetation and a relatively low-density, semi-rural environment.
I believe that approving this proposal would be inconsistent with the existing semi-rural character of the area has the potential to significantly increase noise activity on the site.
Potential sources of amenity impacts include:
• vehicle arrivals and departures;
• vehicle doors and engines;
• pedestrian activity;
• conversations associated with large gatherings;
• amplified music or announcements;
• evening activities;
• outdoor gatherings;
• increased lighting; and vehicle headlights affecting surrounding properties, and wildlife, especially during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events.
These impacts should be assessed having regard to the existing relatively quiet nature of the locality. I am particularly concerned about the cumulative impact of these activities rather than any single source of noise or disturbance.
Furthermore, I am concerned that the proposal represents an overdevelopment of the site relative to its rural and semi-rural context and the effects it would have on native vegetation and habitats, wildlife and the tranquillity of Hopetoun Park, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events, where visitor access to the proposal site will be greatly increased.
To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Dear Planning Officer,
I wish to formally object to the proposed use of 97 Hopetoun Park Road as a place of worship/Sikh temple.
My objection is based on the direct impact this proposal would have on surrounding residents, particularly in relation to traffic, parking, noise, operating hours, vehicle movements and the change in the character and amenity of the area.
The proposal is for a place of worship operating 7 days a week from 5:30am to 8:30pm, with regular attendance of up to 20 people and special events of up to 30 people. The site provides only 10 car spaces.
I have serious concerns that 10 parking spaces will not adequately accommodate visitors, particularly during weekend services and special events. Any overflow is likely to place additional pressure on the surrounding roads and neighbouring properties.
The proposed 5:30am commencement time is also particularly concerning in a predominantly rural/residential area. Even without amplified sound, regular vehicle arrivals, departures, doors, engines and general activity at that time have the potential to directly affect the amenity of neighbouring homes.
These concerns are not hypothetical. Similar planning proposals for Sikh places of worship in Melbourne have generated significant concerns from surrounding residents regarding traffic, parking, noise and compatibility with their location. For example, a proposed Sikh temple in Keilor North was opposed over traffic, noise, dust and loss of tranquillity, with the proposal ultimately rejected by Brimbank administrators on character and suitability grounds. More recently, a proposed Sikh community facility in Hoppers Crossing attracted 108 objections, with increased traffic and noise among the concerns raised by residents.
I am concerned that the same issues could arise here, particularly given the much more rural and low-density nature of Hopetoun Park.
I also ask Council to carefully consider whether this site is appropriate for a use that will generate regular visitor and vehicle movements throughout the week, rather than simply considering whether the proposed number of patrons can technically be accommodated on the property.
I respectfully request that Council refuse the application on the basis of the potential impact on surrounding residential amenity, including:
Increased traffic and vehicle movements;
Insufficient parking for visitors and special events;
Potential overflow parking on surrounding roads;
The proposed 5:30am operating commencement;
Noise and disturbance associated with regular visitor movements;
The increased intensity of use compared with the existing residential use; and
The impact on the rural and low-density character of the surrounding area.
My objection is specifically to the location, scale, operating hours and potential amenity impacts of this particular proposal.
I ask that this submission be formally considered as part of Council's assessment and that I be notified of the outcome.

I am writing to lodge a formal objection to planning application PA2026002 for the proposed development of a place of worship at 97 Hopetoun Park Road.

As a resident of the Hopetoun Park community, I am deeply concerned that this proposal introduces severe, unmanageable safety risks to human life, specifically regarding bushfire emergency evacuation.

My primary objection is based on the following planning grounds:

1. Fundamental Contradiction of State Planning Policy Clause 13.02-1S (Bushfire Planning)
Under Clause 13.02-1S, the Victorian planning scheme dictates that councils must prioritise the protection of human life over all other competing planning objectives.

Development must not be approved if it introduces an unacceptable risk to life that cannot be safely mitigated.

The subject site is fully situated within a designated Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) and is partially covered by a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO).

This proposal shifts the land use from a private residential dwelling to a assembly space for transient gatherings.

This change explicitly increases the number of people situated within a high-risk area who are likely unfamiliar with local emergency evacuation procedures, running directly contrary to the intent of Clause 13.02-1S.

2. Severe Evacuation Chokepoint and Single-Access Corridor Risks
- The layout of Hopetoun Park dictates that Hopetoun Park Road is the sole arterial lifeline, the single road in and out, for the entire residential estate of well over 1000 current occupants. This is estimated to increase to well over 2400 with the upcoming development of Hopetoun Park North.

Strategic Vulnerability:
- 97 Hopetoun Park Road sits directly at the absolute northern "mouth" of this estate, exactly where the entire community must funnel to reach the safety of major external transit routes (such as the Western Highway).
- Contra-Flow Traffic Gridlock: In a fast-moving grassfire (as experienced in 2023) or bushfire emergency, emergency response vehicles (CFA assets) trying to access the estate would face a wall of residents attempting to evacuate out via this single narrow corridor. Introducing up-to 30+ additional vehicles from a public facility right at this bottleneck worsens the risk of traffic gridlock.
- Critical Egress Failure: If a fire originates at, spreads to, or compromises the boundary of 97 Hopetoun Park Road, the exit route for hundreds of surrounding households is instantly cut off, effectively trapping the entire community inside a wildfire zone.

3. Incompatibility with Local Safety Infrastructure
- A public gathering place requires an infallible "pre-emptive evacuation" trigger or a designated, completely clear asset protection zone. Given that a fire at this specific junction disrupts the exit pathway for the broader community, the risk cannot be internalised or adequately managed via a standard on-site Bushfire Management Plan.

Conclusion
Because the development introduces a public use component to the absolute chokepoint of a single-access rural residential community, it fails to meet the safety benchmarks required by Victorian planning law. I respectfully urge the Moorabool Shire Council to reject this permit application on the grounds of community safety and bushfire risk amplification.

Your Sincerely
Maria Marinaccio

Formal Objection – PA2026002
97 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park VIC 3340 Proposal: Convert Existing Dwelling into a Place of Worship (30 people)
To the Responsible Planning Officer, Moorabool Shire Council
I wish to lodge a formal objection to Planning Application PA2026002 on the basis that the proposal is inconsistent with multiple provisions of the Moorabool Planning Scheme, including State Planning Policy, Local Planning Policy, and zone specific decision guidelines.
1. Clause 13.02 1S – Bushfire Planning (State Policy)
Clause 13.02 1S requires that protection of human life is prioritised above all other planning considerations. Residents have clearly identified that Hopetoun Park Road is the single entry and exit point for the entire estate , and that the proposal sits at the northern mouth of this sole evacuation corridor.
The site is located within a Bushfire Prone Area and partially within a Bushfire Management Overlay . The introduction of a public assembly use increases the number of people unfamiliar with evacuation procedures, directly contradicting Clause 13.02 1S’s requirement to avoid intensifying risk in bushfire affected areas.
I have serious concerns that a fire impacting this location could cut off evacuation for the entire community, trapping residents within the estate . This represents an unacceptable risk to life under Clause 13.02 1S.
2. Clause 11.03 5S – Distinctive Areas & Rural Character
Hopetoun Park is characterised by large lots, open space, vegetation and a quiet semi rural environment . We moved here specifically for its peace, quiet and semi rural lifestyle .
The proposal introduces a non residential, high intensity public use that is fundamentally incompatible with the established character of the area, contrary to Clause 11.03 5S which seeks to protect and enhance rural residential character.
3. Clause 15.01 2S – Building Design & Neighbourhood Character
Clause 15.01 2S requires development to respect the existing neighbourhood character. A place of worship is incompatible with the low density residential environment and would irrevocably alter the landscape .
The proposal represents overdevelopment relative to its rural context, with potential impacts on vegetation, wildlife and tranquillity .
4. Clause 18.02 4S – Car Parking & Access
The proposal provides only 10 parking spaces despite operating 7 days a week from 5:30am to 8:30pm with up to 30 attendees during special events .
I have concerns about:
• Overflow parking on surrounding roads
• Traffic congestion during festivals and ceremonies
• Pedestrian safety risks due to increased vehicle movements
Clause 18.02 4S requires adequate parking and safe access. This proposal does not meet those requirements.
5. Clause 13.05 1S – Noise Abatement
The proposed 5:30am commencement time is incompatible with a quiet rural residential environment. I have concern regarding the noise impacts from:
• vehicle arrivals and departures
• doors and engines
• pedestrian activity
• conversations
• amplified sound
• lighting and headlights
These concerns are documented extensively and must be assessed under Clause 13.05 1S, which requires protection of residential amenity from noise.
6. Clause 32.03 – Low Density Residential Zone (LDRZ)
The purpose of the LDRZ is to:
• Provide for residential use in a low density environment
• Ensure development respects neighbourhood character
• Maintain residential amenity
The proposal is not compatible with the residential nature of Hopetoun Park and would significantly impact amenity through noise, traffic, lighting and gatherings .
A place of worship is a non residential use that intensifies activity far beyond what is appropriate in the LDRZ.

7. Precedent Risk – Clause 71.02 3
Approving this application would set a precedent for further non residential uses in Hopetoun Park, undermining the long standing residential character that residents have relied upon for decades .
Clause 71.02 3 requires decision makers to consider long term impacts and cumulative effects of development.
Request for Refusal
Based on the above planning grounds, I respectfully request that Moorabool Shire Council refuse PA2026002 due to:
• Unacceptable bushfire evacuation risks (Clause 13.02 1S)
• Incompatibility with semi rural residential character (Clauses 11.03 5S, 15.01 2S, LDRZ)
• Insufficient parking and unsafe traffic impacts (Clause 18.02 4S)
• Significant noise and amenity impacts (Clause 13.05 1S)
• Overdevelopment and environmental impacts
• Long term precedent risk (Clause 71.02 3)
Please record my objection and notify me of Council’s decision.
Yours sincerely, Cassie Burrows. Resident, Hopetoun Park VIC 3340

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

We only have one access road in and out of the estate and if an emergency shall arise how do ambulance/fire and police access through Hopetoun Park Rd.
I have seen what happens around these venues in other areas and at times is chaos with traffic and parking.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a place of worship/temple in Hopetoun Park.

My objection is based on the potential impact of the development on the surrounding residential community and the suitability of the proposed location.

Hopetoun Park is a residential community, and any significant development needs to carefully consider the existing character of the area, traffic movements, parking, noise, increased vehicle activity, pedestrian safety and the potential impact on neighbouring residents.

I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased traffic and parking pressure if the facility attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during religious festivals, ceremonies, weekends and other significant events. The surrounding roads and existing infrastructure should be assessed to determine whether they can safely accommodate this additional activity.

I also believe the potential impact of noise, lighting, operating hours, gatherings and increased activity on nearby homes needs to be properly considered before any approval is granted.

To be clear, my objection is not based on the religion, culture or beliefs associated with the proposed place of worship. My concerns relate specifically to the scale, location and potential residential and community impacts of the proposed development.

I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly assessed as part of the planning process and that the interests and amenity of existing Hopetoun Park residents are given appropriate consideration.

I ask that my objection be formally recorded and considered before any decision is made.

Kind regards
Simon Krake

I wish to formally object to planning application PA2026002, which proposes to convert the existing residential dwelling at 97 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park, into a place of worship.

I strongly oppose the proposed change of use, as do many residents within the Hopetoun Park and Long Forest communities. The concern is not directed at the religious organisation or the people who may attend. Rather, it is about the appropriateness of establishing a place of worship and associated non-residential activities within this particular residential location and the likely impact on the surrounding community.

The existing property is situated within a residential area, and the surrounding community has been established with the expectation that the area will retain its residential character and amenity. Converting a private dwelling into a place of worship represents a significant change in the nature and intensity of use of the property.

Traffic and road safety

A place of worship has the potential to generate significantly greater vehicle movements than a normal residential dwelling, particularly during services, meetings, events and other gatherings.

Hopetoun Park Road and the surrounding roads are not comparable to major roads servicing established commercial or community facilities. An increase in traffic associated with regular gatherings could create additional congestion, vehicle movements and safety concerns for residents.

There is also concern about the cumulative impact if attendance increases over time.

Parking and amenity

The proposed use could create substantial additional demand for parking, particularly during peak services and events.

Residents should not be expected to experience increased on-street parking, vehicles entering and leaving the property, congestion or difficulties accessing their own properties as a consequence of a change from residential to community-based use.

Noise and disturbance

A place of worship is likely to involve regular gatherings, arrivals and departures, conversations, vehicles and potentially events outside the normal patterns associated with a private residence.

This creates a genuine concern about increased noise and disturbance for neighbouring residents and a reduction in the quiet residential amenity currently enjoyed by the area.

Future growth of the use

One of the greatest concerns is the potential for the scale of the use to increase over time.

While the application may be based on a particular number of attendees or proposed operating arrangements, a place of worship is not necessarily a static use. Congregations can grow, services and activities can increase, and additional events or functions may be introduced.

Residents should not be placed in a position where a relatively small initial proposal gradually develops into a much larger-scale use, creating substantially greater traffic, parking, noise and amenity impacts.

The potential long-term impact of the proposed use therefore needs to be carefully considered rather than assessing the application solely on its initial intended scale.

Residential character

The proposed use is fundamentally different from the existing residential use of the property.

Residents of Hopetoun Park and Long Forest value the quiet, semi-rural and residential character of the area. Introducing a regular community gathering facility into an existing residential property has the potential to alter that character and establish a precedent for further non-residential uses in the surrounding area.

This is not simply a matter of one additional residence or a minor change to the property. It represents a change in how the site is used and how it interacts with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Community concerns

There is strong concern and opposition to the proposal among residents of Hopetoun Park and Long Forest.

The community should not have to accept a significant change to the character and amenity of the area without carefully considering whether this particular location is suitable for the proposed use.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that Moorabool Shire Council refuse planning application PA2026002 on the basis that the proposed conversion of the residential dwelling to a place of worship is not an appropriate use for this location and has the potential to adversely affect traffic, parking, noise, residential amenity, road safety and the established character of the surrounding community.

I strongly object to the proposed development and respectfully ask Council to refuse the application.