THE applicant behind a controversial Chirnside Park development will make a decision on its future by the end of January.
Yarra Ranges councillors overwhelmingly rejected the Radha Soami Satsang Beas proposal for a place of worship and other associated works at 275 Edward Rd.
Project manager Greg Allchin told Leader he would go back to the organisation’s board of directors, who would decide whether to come back to the council with a new proposal, leave the area altogether, or go to VCAT.
Mr Allchin said the board still hadn’t decided what its next move would be, but going to VCAT did not appear likely.
“We’re still looking at it and we’re also discussing it with councillors and the council.
“We don’t really want to go into an area where we are not welcome or build something that the community thinks is out of place.”
“So we are thinking that maybe going to court (VCAT) is not the right option, that we’re probably better off doing something that both the council and community would see as proper for that area.”
“We don’t want to upset the community; we want to be welcomed from day one.”
Mr Allchin said the board had considered leaving the area, but “it’s not our preferred option at the moment”.
