Court to decide Islamic school proposal
Posted
'Right decision': Camden Mayor Chris Patterson (ABC)
The debate over a proposal to build a large Islamic school in Sydney's south-west looks set to continue in the Land and Environment Court.
Camden Council voted against the proposal for a 1,200 student Islamic school in the area in May.
Thousands of local residents campaigned against the plan, and it was rejected by the council on planning and development grounds.
But the Mayor of Camden, Chris Patterson, says the council has now been told the Quranic Society will appeal in the Land and Environment Court.
"Council's made a decision based on planning merits and now it's up to the court to determine as to whether or not council has made the correct decision in their mind," he said.
Mr Patterson says the council will continue to oppose the proposal.
"Council made it's decision based on planning instruments," he said.
"I firmly believe council made the right decision. Now what happens is when there's a challenge to a council decision in the Land and Environment Court, council becomes the respondent and has a legal obligation to defend the decision."
The matter is due before the court late next month.
