SCENIC RIM – The Fassifern Salvation Army have gained approval to build over a walkway to make the Kalbar church and hall one building, but not before having to prove not-for-profit bonafides to Council.

In a planning submission to the Scenic Rim Regional Council on May 7, the Salvation Army (Queensland) Property Trust, detailed its plans to build-in the shared entryway to the church and hall.

The new under-roof area was to incorporate:

• a weather proof entryway with steps and ramp;

• an enclosed lobby area;

• bathroom facilities including five toilets and a shower; and

• a rear exit doorway.

Last week, Council granted a ‘material change of use’ development permit for the whole of the extended building to be rezoned as a ‘Place of Worship’.

In the planning report submitted with the application in May, it was noted that the land “has been occupied by the Salvation Army for about a century commencing with the building closest to the street [the church]. The building behind it [the hall] was erected in the 1980s, replacing a very basic building on the same site. It has modern kitchen facilities and is suitable for a wide range of uses”.

The aim of the ‘green lighted’ development is to make “the two main existing buildings become a more integrated and enclosed space for the church and other local community groups to use for meetings and various programs”.

However, there was some initial delay in processing the application leading from a request by the Salvation Army that Council waive the application fee of $7,156 on the basis that it was a community – charitable organisation.

A response to the request came more than two weeks later, when Council asked the Salvation Army to prove it was a not-for-profit organisation.

By May 26, the application was considered as having covered all the bases and was referred on to the relevant State Government agencies for comment.

Those comments were back before the end of June and Council’s decision was published almost six weeks later.