A proposed expansion of Pitt Town’s St James’ Anglican Church is too big, according to Hawkesbury City Council.
The church wants to build an extra two storeys on top of its hall, building a large car park and a sports field.
Neighbours of the church complained that the sheer scale of the proposed expansion would drastically impact their way of life, a sentiment Council agrees with.
At the December 8 Council meeting, Council heard the expansion was simply too big for the area.
Councillor Jill Reardon moved a motion, which rather than knock back the DA, would see a decision be deferred while the church and neighbours tried to reach a compromise.
Cr Patrick Conolly asked that as part of the motion, Council workers will also assist the church to refine the DA.
The church’s minister Greg Peisley said the number of worshippers at the church had rapidly swelled, and the church was simply trying to meet community demand.
"We are literally bursting at our seams, all our facilities are at capacity,” he said. “We believe it is time to extend the church and support the growing community.”
Residents opposed to the development said they do not have a problem with the church expanding, but did take issue with the scale, and said they were not consulted by the church.
Cr Mike Creed, who voted against the motion with Cr Paul Rasmussen, said he thought the community concerns were legitimate and said there were serious issues with the DA/
“I would like to see the church come back after having some chats with community and trying to compromise and see some sort of benefit that will be of benefit to the community,” he said.
“I think the traffic is a huge issue and we have a real opportunity to try to address those issues in Pitt Town.”
Mayor Kim Ford said he supported the application, but said he realised there were issues with its size.
“If the church is guilty of anything it is that it is too popular, you can't even find Bathurst Street on a Sunday,” he said.
“It certainly is a family orientated church and that is why there are big numbers there and I think it will act as a community hub.”
However, Cr Ford also said traffic in Pitt Town was an issue which sorely needed addressing, and conceded an expansion of the church would likely lead to more traffic.
