Monash Council is expected to decide later this month whether to support plans for a Clayton mosque that have drawn the ire of nearby residents.
The application, for 16 Beddoe Ave, Clayton, is for a single-storey mosque with room for 185 people.
The council has received 10 objections to the proposal, with noise, traffic and character issues all raised.
Monash Interfaith Gathering deputy chairman Mohamed Mohideen said the Muslim community had used the site for prayer over the past 20 years. “Prayers are important to the Muslim community and we need a place to pray,” Mr Mohideen said.
“The university has been kind enough to provide us with a premises for 20 years and now it is time to look at redeveloping that to make it more comfortable for those who use the facility.”
The site is owned by Monash University, but the application has been lodged by the Islamic Association of Monash Mosque which leases the existing weatherboard house (pictured).
“The association is funding the redevelopment of the existing weatherboard residence into a purpose-built mosque,” Monash University spokeswoman Samantha Blair said. The permit application is expected before the January 29 council meeting.
The entrance to the mosque and parking would be provided on the university’s grounds.