Vic mosque approved amid local protest

A Victorian council has approved the construction of a $3 million mosque amid fierce protest from local residents.

Bendigo City Council received more than 350 objections to the development, which would include two prayer rooms, a shop and a community sports hall.

The development was approved at a heated council meeting on Wednesday night, during which residents shouted "Shame on you, shame", Fairfax reports.

Council documents show the majority of complaints related to concerns over the influence of Islam, citing the threat of terrorism, the introduction of Sharia and the dilution of "Christian values".

The project also received about 40 letters of support.

Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons said in a statement there are many conditions on the permit to ensure the impact on neighbours was acceptable.

"Now a decision has been made, the applicants can move forward with the next stage in the development process," Mr Lyons said.

A Facebook group Stop the Mosque in Bendigo with more than 7400 "likes" posted photos of the eight Bendigo counsellors, branding them "traitors".

Some people have posted comments calling for the group to take the matter to VCAT.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy says people are entitled to oppose planning applications, but they must do so sensibly and respectfully, particularly for religious institutions.

"People needn't fear the growth in our Islamic community's population," Mr Guy told reporters on Thursday.

"If people want to appeal it, they should, but it should be on the grounds of planning law, not on emotion."