By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE decision to grant a retrospective planning permit for a Buddhist temple in Narre Warren North has been labelled “unfair” by a Casey councillor.
Last week council officers approved the planning permit for the Heatherton Road site, where a property has already been used recently as a Buddhist temple.
There were 18 objections to the permit, which will see the current property extended and additional facilities constructed on the site.
The new development will also include a 31-space car park.
Cr Rosalie Crestani questioned the ethical standards of the current planning rules, which allow for retrospective permits to be granted.
She said it appeared as if the applicant was given preferential treatment.
“It’s unfair; retrospective approvals allow for people to get permits after they have used the land illegally,” Cr Crestani said.
“This particular group gets bias while the rest of the community aren’t allowed to seek retrospective approval.
Cr Crestani cited The Squatting Frog Plant Nursery, in Narre Warren North, as a business which had previously sought a retrospective approval and had been denied.
Cr Wayne Smith conceded the planning rules which allowed for retrospective permits were “annoying and frustrating” but still agreed with the approval of the permit.
“I don’t blame them for using the rules to their advantage,” he said.
“It’s a permit they’re entitled to get.”
