Melton has again found itself embroiled in anti-Islamic protests, just six months after violent street demonstrations over plans for an Islamic school and a mosque.
Recent media reports and anti-Islamic Facebook exchanges claim a Melton South housing estate is being marketed as ‘halal’ and would include a mosque.
Protestors are calling for the community to boycott the Iqra Village project, a 75-lot subdivision off Coburns Road, which was given planning permits more than 10 years ago.
Melton council planning general manager Peter Bean said while permits had been issued for a medium-density housing proposal, there had been no indication the development would be for a faith-based community.
It certainly would not be a gated community, he said.
“There have been no discussions with the developer about selling the lots in the estate on the basis of a faith-based community,” Mr Bean told Star Weekly.
Mr Bean said the council cannot dictate who house lots are sold to, but a separate planning permit would be required to develop a mosque.
Recent media and Facebook exchanges claimed a mosque was proposed for the village.
“Council planning approval will be required for the construction of a dwelling on any lot less than 300 square metres in area, or where the proposed dwelling does not comply with the restrictive covenant affecting the land,” Mr Bean said.
He said the subdivision had been sold by its original owners to Rahber Developments some years ago with the subdivision permits that had been issued in 2004 and 2005.
Only two lots have been developed so far.
Rahber Developments was deregistered in the Supreme Court last month after action by the Australian Tax Office.
