By ANEEKA SIMONIS
LAKESIDE may soon be transformed into Pakenham’s religious super hub, with a second church group closing in on land directly opposite one of the nation’s four Planetshaker church bases.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has outlaid plans to transform the vacant building on the lake into a place of worship.
The building, which is already owned by the church, is located directly across the lake from the Cardinia Cultural Centre which is also used on the weekend by Planetshaker churchgoers.
The application has evoked a strong response in the community, with many indicating they oppose plans to allow the church to move into the residential area.
“Wouldn’t like to see this go through at all, not the appropriate location,” wrote Leanne, one of more than 200 contributors who took to the Gazette’s Facebook page to discuss the plan.
The planning application was received by Cardinia Shire Council in early December.
It outlines plans for up to 137 seated worshippers to attend services held in the morning and afternoon on Saturday – with Bible studies and related activities running from 9.30am until 3.30pm.
Many residents have highlighted potential parking issues as a top concern; however the application indicated no additional parking would be introduced to the site.
It currently has 46 car parking spaces on site – five more than required under Cardinia Planning Scheme guidelines.
The planning application has caused animosity toward the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with most labelling the location of the proposed worship site as “inappropriate”.
Yet, the church has assured it aims to provide a positive contribution to the community.
“No negative social or economic impacts are expected to result from the application. Positive social impacts can be expected through a broadening of cultural facilities in the Pakenham area providing greater access and choice to the area’s growing population,” the application read.
Not all residents took a dim view of the plan.
“It’s as good a place as any in my opinion, and much better than having the space vacant and in disrepair,” wrote Elise on the Gazette’s Facebook page.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jodie Owen admitted the application has “really had an effect on residents”, in a post to her own social media page advising residents on the processes required to lodge planning objections.
Planetshakers use the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Sunday.
It is one of four worship campuses used by the church nationwide.
It is not yet known when the application will be put up for consideration, however council’s next town planning meeting is scheduled for Monday 15 February.
