Brethren loses first round in milk bar fight
Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly
By Anna Whitelaw
Nov 15th, 2011
Greensborough residents have won their battle to stop the Exclusive Brethren turning their local milk bar into a church – at least for now.
Last Tuesday, Nillumbik councillors voted 4-3 to knock back the Exclusive Brethren's planning application to build a small church hall in Sunrise Drive despite a council officer's report supporting the permit.
More than 100 Greensborough residents crowded into the council chambers to protest against the proposal for a church hall and car park, heckling Brethren members and the councillors.
Nearly 150 objections were received in response to the proposal.
Thirteen Greensborough residents raised concerns about traffic, lights and noise from early morning and late evening church services.
Residents claimed the church was not needed, as the 2000-capacity Brethren church in Diamond Creek is just a kilometre away. The reclusive sect has six churches across Eltham, Research and Diamond Creek.
Sunrise Drive Community Group spokesman Carlo Mosca said the Sunrise Drive milk bar was a community asset.
Mr Mosca also claimed the Brethren had not consulted with neighbouring residents.
Councillors Helen Coleman, Belinda Clarkson, Michael Young and Ken King all voted to reject the bid.
Mr Mosca said residents were "very happy" with the decision, but acknowledged they faced an uphill battle if the Exclusive Brethren appealed the decision at VCAT.
"Round one has gone in our favour [but] we recognise its not over," he said.
The Brethren has successfully appealed to have several council decisions on their churches overturned.
"We are a small community and we don't have a lot of money, whereas the Brethren have very deep pockets. That doesn't mean we won't put up a good fight," Mr Mosca said.
Exclusive Brethren member and spokesman Richard Kelsey said the Brethren is "still considering" whether to appeal.
