Disappointment at resource consent for rural Hindu temple

Independent hearing commissioners granted resource consent for a temple structure up to 14-metres high in Ararimu. There will also be three smaller temple buildings and a three-level waterfall on the site, as well as 119 car park spaces.

There were 203 submissions received about the application for the temple, with 155 in favour of it. Most of the submissions from people living near the site were opposed.

Auckland Council’s consultant planner had also opposed the consent application.

Ingrid Johansen, who lives next door to where the temple will be, expressed her disappointment at the consent being granted.

“It’s going to destroy the whole area. We don’t want a temple next door. I wouldn’t want a Catholic church next door, I wouldn’t want a mosque next door. It is not that sort of environment. People should have listened,” she said.

Franklin councillor Andy Baker was also unhappy about the decision, feeling that this was an example of an urban activity being located in a rural area, because of cheaper land prices.

He was worried that this decision may lead to other applications for urban activities to take place in rural areas.

Venkat Raman, one of the people behind the temple application, said the Ararimu site had been chosen because it conformed to the kind of topography found in the original temple in India.

“It will be in such a way that it will not disturb the peace at all, because the rules and regulations will continue to be enforced even after we construct the temple,” he said.

Raman, who edits the fortnightly Indian Newslink newspaper, added that the consent process had taken three years, and all regulations had been complied with.

Planting will take place around the temple to reduce the visibility of the buildings.

FULL STORY

‘It’s going to destroy the whole area’: Locals upset as Hindu temple gets resource consent | Stuff (By David Long/Stuff)