Plymouth Brethren fights to establish fifth church in Kyneton

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has submitted a planning application to construct a fifth church for its expanding congregation in Kyneton. Council planning officers have recommended the council reject the proposal. Councillors will vote on the application at a meeting.

The church, represented by Kyneton Gospel Trust, aims to build a 45-member church in a housing development near Kyneton, 87 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. However, council deemed the church unsuitable for the low-density area.

Brian Edmonds, a Kyneton Gospel Trust trustee, stated that the Brethren had previously not faced such extensive planning processes for building a place of worship. He expressed surprise at the council's recommendation to deny planning permission. Over 130 years old, the Brethren congregation in Kyneton comprises over 160 members. Over 200 non-community members work for the church.

The application received 23 letters of support and no objections. The church plans to limit its presence through restrictions like using the prayer meeting room for only two hours a week and confining it to local residents. The church intends to merge with their surrounding environment. They propose to maintain the church's operations for less than an hour on Sunday and 45 minutes on Monday mornings.

An advisor for the Brethren said they would continue to use their current Ebden Street church for larger congregations. Council's recommendation highlights the church's proposal did not sufficiently show how the area's character would be maintained or enhanced.