07-19-2008, 02:55 PM
http://rousehill.yourguide.com.au/news/loc...val/195318.aspx
Hindus seek temple approval
BY RUTH HART
22/01/2008 1:35:14 PM
It may be a matter of taste, but John Higman thinks a Hindu temple on a block in Nelson will "look terrible".
He isn't alone.
Baulkham Hills Council said it had received "a number of submissions" objecting to an application by the Shree Swaminarayan Temple trust to build on a five-acre block on the corner of Nelson Road and McHales Way.
"Due to the number of concerns raised by local residents, it is likely that council will hold a conciliation conference to hear their concerns," a spokeswoman said.
Mr Higman is the president of the Box Hill-Nelson Progress Association.
He said association members and the community were opposed to the appearance of the temple and concerned about noise pollution and a lack of infrastructure.
"We have no problem with this faith or the people who follow it," he stressed.
"It's the size of the building, its style and the location that is the problem."
Mr Higman said the building, complete with roof domes, would dominate the skyline and increase traffic.
"The plans only include 50 car spaces and the area is also not connected to Sydney Water or sewerage systems," he said.
Karsan Kerai, one of six temple trustees, said he would be happy to meet concerned residents to further explain the plans.
"We have similar, traditional-style temples all over the world, including six in the UK," he said.
"A local temple would enhance the lives of our members, many of whom have lived in Kellyville and Rouse Hill for a number of years, and would allow them to continue their traditions."
Mr Kerai said the temple would draw around 30 people to weekday morning and evening prayer meetings, up to 70 on Saturday and up to 200 on Sunday afternoon.
"We currently meet at the Baulkham Hills Community Centre on Sundays, but to have our own temple will be wonderful," he said.
If approved by the council, the Shree Swaminarayan temple will include a basement level with two further storeys and decorative domes on the roof line. It will be painted dark cream and the domes will have 30-centimetre strips of gold paint.
"It won't be anything like the gold-topped Sikh temple visible from the M7," Mr Kerai said.
Hindus seek temple approval
BY RUTH HART
22/01/2008 1:35:14 PM
It may be a matter of taste, but John Higman thinks a Hindu temple on a block in Nelson will "look terrible".
He isn't alone.
Baulkham Hills Council said it had received "a number of submissions" objecting to an application by the Shree Swaminarayan Temple trust to build on a five-acre block on the corner of Nelson Road and McHales Way.
"Due to the number of concerns raised by local residents, it is likely that council will hold a conciliation conference to hear their concerns," a spokeswoman said.
Mr Higman is the president of the Box Hill-Nelson Progress Association.
He said association members and the community were opposed to the appearance of the temple and concerned about noise pollution and a lack of infrastructure.
"We have no problem with this faith or the people who follow it," he stressed.
"It's the size of the building, its style and the location that is the problem."
Mr Higman said the building, complete with roof domes, would dominate the skyline and increase traffic.
"The plans only include 50 car spaces and the area is also not connected to Sydney Water or sewerage systems," he said.
Karsan Kerai, one of six temple trustees, said he would be happy to meet concerned residents to further explain the plans.
"We have similar, traditional-style temples all over the world, including six in the UK," he said.
"A local temple would enhance the lives of our members, many of whom have lived in Kellyville and Rouse Hill for a number of years, and would allow them to continue their traditions."
Mr Kerai said the temple would draw around 30 people to weekday morning and evening prayer meetings, up to 70 on Saturday and up to 200 on Sunday afternoon.
"We currently meet at the Baulkham Hills Community Centre on Sundays, but to have our own temple will be wonderful," he said.
If approved by the council, the Shree Swaminarayan temple will include a basement level with two further storeys and decorative domes on the roof line. It will be painted dark cream and the domes will have 30-centimetre strips of gold paint.
"It won't be anything like the gold-topped Sikh temple visible from the M7," Mr Kerai said.