In short:
Wyndham Council approves the major redevelopment of the Sikh community facility on Sayers Road in Hoppers Crossing, allowing a 600-person centre to proceed. Residents raised concerns about traffic, noise and the changing character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Council Rejects 108 Resident Objections
A major redevelopment of the Sikh community facility on Sayers Road was approved by Wyndham’s Planning Committee on 11 November, following a lengthy assessment process, 108 objections and strong public interest.
The proposal will replace the three existing dwellings at 405–417 Sayers Road with three large purpose-built buildings containing a prayer hall, dining facilities, a Punjabi school, community rooms, counselling spaces and recreation areas.
The facility will operate daily between 8am and 10pm and accommodate up to 600 people during special events.
To enable the development, two restrictive covenants will be removed and a deceleration lane will be constructed on Sayers Road.
The application has been progressing since late 2022, undergoing multiple redesigns and re-notifications after Transport for Victoria raised concerns about traffic movements and road safety.
Residents who spoke at the meeting said the area was originally purchased for “quiet, low-density living” and argued that the neighbourhood’s character had already changed due to nearby medical centres, childcare facilities and commercial activity.
They said Sayers Road had become a shortcut route, that noise had increased over the years, and that fireworks could be heard weekly. Safety for children on local streets was raised repeatedly.
One resident who backs directly onto the site said neighbours had experienced security issues, including people jumping fences, overwhelming lighting spilling into their property, and damage caused by construction works already undertaken.
Another resident questioned whether senior Council staff fully understood local impacts because they do not live in Wyndham.
Director of Planning and Livability Eric Braslis said the application had been considered suitable for the area by council officers and VicRoads.
Two councillors opposed the proposal. Cr Shannon McGuire, who lives in Hoppers Crossing, said he has personally heard noise from the facility from more than 1.5 kilometres away and had seen people running across Sayers Road.
“Firstly, pedestrian safety. Secondly, the road network that is already at breaking point will not be any better as a result of this — I don’t think any reasonable person would say so,” he said.
“In ten years’ time, people will be driving down Sayers Road saying ‘Who allowed this to happen?’”
His comments drew applause from the gallery.
Cr Susan McIntyre also voted against the application, describing it as a difficult decision due to the significant contribution the Sikh community makes in Wyndham.
She said her concern was whether the size and intensity of the development were appropriate for the site.
Council officers recommended approval, stating the proposal meets the Wyndham Planning Scheme, provides adequate parking, and includes noise and traffic controls.
Transport for Victoria supported the access changes subject to conditions, including the construction of a slip lane and road safety measures.
Officers said formalising the site would address years of enforcement issues, including noise, traffic behaviour, tree removal and overcrowding.
The application was supported by Crs Josh Gilligan, Maria King, Jennie Barrera, Jasmine Hill, Peter Maynard, Robert Szatkowski, Mia Shaw, Larry Zhao and Preet Singh.
Crs Shannon McGuire and Susan McIntyre voted against.
A Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit has now been issued.
