PLANS for a healing sanctuary in Kurunjang have been rejected after more than a year of controversy.
Reverend Gordon McKenzie’s application for the Heaven’s Gate Healing Sanctuary, in the Toolern Downs estate, was refused by Melton council in September last year.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has supported the council’s ruling in rejecting the development, stating it would attract large groups of people and excessive noise.
About 60 objectors living near the Buckle Road and Cameron Court site voiced their concerns to the council.
The proposed sanctuary was to host ceremonies, clairvoyant readings, personal coaching, music lessons, meditation and choir sessions. VCAT senior member Tonia Komesaroff said the sanctuary was not in keeping with the “discrete and tranquil environment” of the residential estate.
“Even if the use were limited to Reverend McKenzie’s proposal – open to members as well as non-members of that church on week- days, weeknights and weekends – it will introduce . . . a level of activity not otherwise experienced or anticipated and often during hours when [residents] currently experience the opposite,” she said.
Council planning manager Robert Baggio said the sanctuary would have set an “undesirable” precedent. “VCAT’s decision affirms the council’s previous decision,” he said.
Mr McKenzie did not respond to requests for comment.
