Gerry Gannon is angry over a church development.
Camera IconGerry Gannon is angry over a church development. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Unholy row looms over Willetton Faith Community Church plans

Emma GearyCanning Gazette

BUSINESSMAN Gerry Gannon is angry at the lack of a communication from Faith Community Church Inc with local shop owners about its development at 60 Arlington Drive, Willetton.

Mr Gannon, who owns one of eight businesses opposite, said while the church had approval to develop a residential subdivision and a major administration centre, he was frustrated with its lack of communication with nearby businesses.

He said a request via the City of Canning to meet church leaders was unsuccessful.

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He said the church had informed the City it had a valid development approval and had spent a considerable amount of time and money on the project and was about to start construction works.

“It is just incredibly arrogant of this church; just because they have approval they think that is all they need,” Mr Gannon said.

“They wouldn’t even meet us, nor did they have the courtesy in the first place to inform us this development was going ahead and they were planning to use the cul-de-sac.”

Mr Gannon’s key concern is an anticipated increase in traffic on a cul-de-sac at the rear of shops across from the development site.

He said traffic generated by the development on the cul-de-sac would create havoc for employees and customers.

“This is our main entry and egress for owners and tenants. This cul-de-sac was created to service this block of |offices,” he said.

Mr Gannon said the church’s development approval permitted it access to the site access via the cul-de-sac but it was limited to 47 car movements per day.

“We are going to put a counter out there and at 48 I will be putting my car across the driveway,” he said.

He said traffic generated by the development would add to already high traffic volumes on Vahland Avenue.

Faith Community Church did not respond to requests for comment.

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