PLANS for a Muslim youth centre in Belmont have been put on hold after issues on noise, size and traffic remained unresolved.
Belmont City Council decided to defer a decision until August for further discussions with the Muslim Youth Support Centre of WA, which wants to build the facility in Hardey Road to bring in and support troubled young people.
Among the support it intends to offer are de-radicalisation and national security programs.
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Concerns raised during public question time at last night’s meeting related to building specifications, included the lack of a shower for disabled people and insufficient car parking bays for the proposed 92 patrons.
Councillor Steve Wolff suggested a 2.4m high masonry wall plus an earlier closing time of 8pm could address noise and privacy issues for neighbours, but his motion was lost 6-3.
The council instead passed Cr Lauren Cayoun’s alternative motion to defer a decision until August.
“Ultimately, I would like to put it quite firmly that this is a great thing for our community, vulnerable people need the support,” Cr Cayoun said.
“I think we’ve waited long enough, let’s try one more time to squeeze some more assurance out for the people who need it.”
The proposed centre would have office and administration areas, a gymnasium and an undercroft car park with 23 car bays, one disabled bay and a minibus bay.
“We hope to reach out to young people… and also to provide appropriate activities and program for our young community,” Islamic Council of Perth WA president Rateb Jneid said.