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OBJECTORS have failed to stop Wagga City Council approving the building of an Exclusive Brethren church in Bourkelands.

Councillors at their June ordinary meeting last night voted 7-3 for a planning standing commitee recommendation to approve a development application for a place of public worship at 31 Kaloona Drive.

There were seven objections from the public to the development application.

The submissions raised concerns about lighting and services starting as early as 6am on Sundays having an impact on property values.

They also disputed estimates on the number of people walking to services and raised fears about further development on adjacent land.

Council has placed 15 planning conditions on the approval, including restricting the number of people who can attend any one service to 50, allowing lighting only when services are held and providing adequate car parking.

There will be a six-month trial of Sunday services starting at 6am.

After the trial, the earliest service will be 8am, unless the church successfully applies for a modification of consent.

The design of the church building must include two windows on the north-eastern and south-eastern sides of the building and a door, either real or false, at the front to give the building a frontage and "street appeal".

Councillor Rod Kendall, in speaking for approval, pointed out there were numerous churches in residential areas throughout the city and villages and he asked the director of planning Bob Karaszkewych if there were any records of complaints. "I am not aware of any complaints," the director replied.

Cr Kevin Wales said if the church group complied with the conditions of consent he did not see any need for concern by nearby residents.