However, they have supported others who opposed the project based on actual planning grounds by refusing to grant a permit.

A group understood to be the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church wanted to build a place of worship and car parking at Blakely Road, Castlemaine.

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Councillors ruled on Tuesday that the development would be too big for the land it was to be located.

Councillor Rosie Annear said that she and fellow elected colleagues had been "inundated" by concerns about the proposal in the last few days, alone.

"In my opinion the size, scale and capacity exceeds the purpose of the 'lower density residential zone' and will significantly affect the rural character of the area," she said.

Cr Annear said the development would also drive up traffic hazards on nearby roads used by many pedestrians and cyclists.

"I don't object to a church being built and I respect the right of everyone to have a place of worship, but I don't think this is the right place for this proposed building," she said.

Councillor Stephen Gardner said one of the issues was the number of people who could gather so close to private housing, particularly for big gatherings or very early in the morning.

He was among councillors who were deeply offended by some objections which did not focus on planning matters.

"There were a lot of them that I felt were anti-Brethren and I wanted to make the point that in my consideration it's not relevant," Cr Gardner said.

Councillor Bill Maltby echoed Cr Gardner's concerns about a number of objections and Cr Annear's comments about people having a right to worship.

"This is a planning matter, not a moral matter. Quite seriously ... I thought we lived in a democratic society. Some of those comments were abhorrent," he said.

Cr Maltby said council staff should review traffic issues in nearby Sawmill Road as other, legitimate, concerns were raised about traffic as community feedback on the proposal came in.

The church has been contacted for comment.