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Brethren plan refused

Jessica Clement

Thursday 1 May, 2008 12:01am

AN application to build an Exclusive Brethren school at Barnsley will now be determined by the Land and Environment Court after a unanimous rejection by Lake Macquarie Council on Monday night.

The council determined the development was out of context with the locality and had significant bulk and scale issues.

The Exclusive Brethren, a secretive community with strong Christian beliefs, has already submitted its plans to the court for a deemed refusal hearing.

Exclusive Brethren spokesman David Craddock told the council meeting the organisation was in urgent need of better educational facilities.

"We believe we have a fine school and a fine proposal," Mr Craddock said.

Barnsley resident Lezette Callinan said the development would dwarf its neighbours and dominate the landscape.

"This proposed establishment does not protect the prevailing character of the suburb," Ms Callinan said.

"It will not provide any benefits to Barnsley residents. They will not be able to utilise any of the facilities."

The proposed school was found by council staff to have too significant an impact on neighbouring properties, was of insufficient size for the site, was reliant on the use of public space (Taylor Park) and failed to provide adequate disabled access.