A REVIVED bid to create a rural wedding haven has again been quashed by civic leaders.

Cardinia councillors voted against approving a permit for a restricted place of assembly at 580 Little Road, Iona.

Matthew Eno had sought the permit less than a year after his previous application was rejected.

Mr Eno had sought to restore the 99-year-old former Presbyterian church at Iona to operate it as a wedding chapel.

Mr Eno told the Gazette his revised plans represented a huge compromise from the original proposal for a one-stop venue complete with ceremonial gardens and an 80-seat centre for dinner and dancing.

“Our aim is simply to restore the old church back to its former condition and operate it as a wedding chapel, where couples can experience a unique rural setting for their wedding,” he said.

The council rejected the application at its town planning meeting on 7 May.

In a split vote, the council upheld an officer’s report that recommended refusal on the grounds it was out of character with adjoining farm land and raised concerns about waste disposal, traffic and amenity.

Crs Graeme Legge and Brett Owen had supported a move to approve the application but were outvoted by colleagues.

The council’s refusal was led by Crs Bill Pearson and Doug Hamilton.

Neighbours had lodged objections, raising concerns about the impact of the proposal on the rural area.

Mr Eno said he believed the chapel could sit harmoniously side by side with farms.

It remains to be seen whether an appeal will be lodged against the council decision.