A PROPOSAL for a Muslim prayer hall in Valcan Road, Orange Grove, was unanimously rejected by the City of Gosnells council last night without any discussion.
The decision came a week after more than 100 residents attended a special electors meeting where they voted against any prayer hall or community purpose centre being built in the rural area.
The Association of Islamic Dakwah WA will now decide whether to take the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal or simply find another site for its members to meet and pray.
The association owns the property. Association spokesman Agus Susanto said the decision was disappointing because a caravan park nearby attracted similar traffic flows.
Valcan Road resident Pip Easton, who spearheaded opposition to the proposal, said she was very pleased with the council's decision.
The hall was to cater for prayers five times a day and special festivals where up to 48 people would meet.
Councillors failed to approve the proposal because it was not consistent with a general rural zone, increased traffic flows could affect the rural amenity, and the driveway width, number of car parking bays and sewer were deemed unsuitable.
The council did give retrospective approval to an outbuilding on the site.