A PLANNING application to develop a Buddhist temple in Ladys Pass near Heathcote have been submitted to the City of Greater Bendigo.
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The plans will develop land and existing buildings in Hicks Lane and include a place of worship, storage, offices, parking and associated works.
The applications proposes to convert an existing building into a place of worship that would fit up to 35 patrons.
It would also construct a new outbuilding used for storage and containing a kitchen facility will be built a shipping container framework cladded with Colorbond steel.
"The building will be used as a temple to undertake various religious activities in relation to the Buddhism religion," the application reads. "The application is seeking approval for up to 35 patrons.
"The proposed outbuilding will have an overall area of 200 square metres."
It is proposed the temple will only operate on major Buddhism events including Vesak (Buddha's birthday) and Madhu Prnima (a day commemorating Buddha's retreating into the wilderness).
The dates of some events vary meaning the applicant has asked council to consider approving seven day a week operating hours "due to the changing nature of these religious events".
Possible operating hours would be from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends.
Council has noted the proposed development is in a Bushfire Prone Area and has asked the applicant to provide amendments outlining bushfire risk mitigation measures as well as more definition on major event occasions and plans outlining existing or proposed waste water systems.
The applicant has until February 3 to provide the amendments.
The applicant has been contacted for comment.