Response to Submissions - 8 June 2018

 “Adamson Town Planning, specialising in providing higher order town planning advice”



   •   retention of trees and further landscaping.

With respect to the issue of noise generated, the applicant has requested Air, Noise, Vibration
undertake onsite logging and prepare an acoustic assessment addressing the potential noise
sources from the operation of the church (refer Attachment 1). The report concludes that …
noise from the church alterations may result in a reduction in noise from inside the church as
the new building will be air conditioned to enable doors and windows to be kept closed. Air
conditioning plant can be designed to meet the Environmental Protection Act and Environmental
Protection Noise Policy criteria. Noise from the friendship terrace may exceed the noise criteria
for larger groups using the terrace, particularly if used during the evening, however it is expected
that the noise impact can be managed.

The report makes recommendations and amongst other things that noise control measures
be investigated further to minimise potential impacts at the nearest residences and the
mechanical plant be designed to meet the criteria provided in Table 2.

The applicant has amended the proposed design to remove the louvres on the north eastern
side closest to the residential properties and replace these with fixed glass panels, while
maintaining the sliding glass doors. Amended proposal plans are provided as Attachment 2.

It has always been intended to air condition the new church building. Because the new church
is being constructed there will not be a need to constantly rearrange furniture in the College
hall given the dual use of the hall and church will no longer occur. This is in terms of the church
use with the hall to be used by the College as has always been the case; however, it is
understood that the hall will also to be air conditioned which should substantially reduce the
noise emissions from within the hall.

With respect to the other issues raised the following comments are made:
   • the application is for a Community Use Wellbeing Type 3 – Worship. It has never been
       intended to use the premises for a commercial purpose. As detailed in the application
       material and the response to the information request made, the church facilities will
       continue to be used by community groups as is currently the case. Further, the church
       will be used for holding wedding ceremonies and funerals as would reasonably be
       expected;
   • the use of the College hall for associated school activities including music practice and
       concerts is not relevant to the assessment as is any other noise generated by the
       College such as the existing PA system;
   • the church cross has a height of about 9m from the existing ground level and is not
       16m as being suggested. This structure is not bulky in appearance and will not be
       internally illuminated but will have spot lights. It is expected that any lighting provided
       would be on a timer and automatically turn off at 10pm and will not adversely impact
       upon neighbouring properties or the streetscape. The fact that this is a religious symbol
       is not a relevant planning matter;
   • the applicant is not proposing new security lighting and is not intending to change the
       existing lighting; however, given light spillage has been raised, the applicant has
       requested the College investigate this issue further; and




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17020 – Good Shepherd Church Noosa