THE City of Greater Bendigo says it is disappointed objectors to the mosque have made a claim of bias against VCAT’s president and deputy president that threatens to further delay a decision on the facility proposed for East Bendigo.
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City director of planning and development Prue Mansfield said: “This is a matter for VCAT and the objectors to resolve.
“However it has the potential to further delay a decision on the mosque and that it very disappointing given the number of delays that have already occurred,” she said.
“The issue is of considerable interest to our community and the city is keen to have it dealt with expediently.”
Residents opposing a plan to build the town's first mosque told VCAT in May that the building will attract more Muslims to it, rather than meet the needs of Muslims in the community.
About 15 residents have appealed to VCAT against Bendigo Council's decision to give the Australian Islamic Mission a permit to build the mosque on a two-hectare piece of land between two industrial zones.