The development of a meditation retreat in Sunbury, based on Buddhism principles, is one step closer.

The Dhammakaya Society of Victoria, a charitable organisation that teaches meditation, had its application to renovate land at 380 Lancefield Road approved last week.

The charity intends to develop three single storey buildings for use as a meditation centre and accommodation for up to 150 guests.

Hume councillor Karen Sherry said the development would attract people to the area.

“I personally believe that this is a good use of the land out there in an area that will eventually join an urban growth zone, simply because a

meditation centre is an attraction,” Cr Sherry said. “It’s not like a factory or a processing centre or something like that, it’s an attraction and will attract many residents to the area.”

Cr Jack Medcraft said the centre would also be a positive for the people of Hume.

“I think there’s a few nervous Nellies who need a bit of stress relief and I’m very glad that something like this is being built,” Cr Medcraft said.

Popular in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, Dhammakaya meditation intends to focus the individual’s attention to the centre of the body to calm the mind.

Dhammakaya Society of Victoria president

and head teaching monk Ronrawee first moved to Australia from Thailand 20 years ago.

Ronrawee told Star Weekly he is hoping to develop a space that can help people relax from the stresses of life.

“These days people are running around and they have no rest, they struggle to sleep and maintain their physical and mental health,” Ronrawee said.

“Meditation is the first step to a healthy mind. We’re going to organise classes so that people can come and learn how to relax and let go. When we have a relaxed mind, we have no stress, so we can be peaceful.”

Ronrawee said the charity first settled on

the location in Sunbury in 2014 due to its quiet nature and proximity to the city.

A total of five objections had been raised through Hume council’s public notice process. The concerns included impact to the rural

character of the location, traffic impacts and wastewater treatment concerns.

Ronrawee said his organisation had provided council with the relevant documentation that he hopes will bring no further objections.

“People were also concerned about the environment and the look of the area, but this is no problem, because we love the trees, too.”

Oliver Lees