An expansion of the Hindu Association of WA’s Canning Vale Temple is set to go ahead, with council unanimously supporting the removal of a condition that led to a State Administrative Tribunal hearing.
Council initially approved the development of a cultural hall and car park extension at the Warton Road temple in December 2021, subject to a range of conditions.
However, the Hindu Association of the WA lodged an application for a SAT review, seeking to remove just one clause that ordered the extension/connection of Spinifex Way through the subject site, constructed and drained at the landowner’s cost.
Mediation was held twice, in March and July 2022, both times unsuccessfully, but as part of the process the SAT invited council to reconsider its decision.
The officer’s comment concluded that SAT was likely to focus on the proposal’s lack of direct connection to Spinifex Way, and recommended removing the clause.
Council agreed in a unanimous decision, with Hindu Association of WA’s Atul Garg saying the decision was very pleasing.
“We’ve always had a good relationship with council and although we had to go to the Tribunal, we’ve maintained that good relationship,” he said.
“The road would have cost the association $200,000 to $250,000 and I’m not sure the surrounding residents wanted the road, so it made sense from our perspective to remove that clause and I am glad that council supported that unanimously last night.
“We’re very happy, it’s been along process of design and re-design, three and a half years, but we are excited to move ahead with the support of council.”
