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Nod for $6m Scientology church in Rvervale

The Church of Scientology has the go-ahead to build a $6 million church in Rivervale.

The proposed development, with capacity for almost 200 people, is intended to service what the Church says is a growing number of WA members.

Plans including a chapel, classrooms and library were approved at a joint development assessment panel hearing yesterday.

The shells of two buildings will be kept, interiors refitted and a second storey added. Similar "ideal churches", as the Church calls them, have been built on the east coast.

Church of Scientology Australia spokeswoman Virginia Stewart, who attended the hearing at the City of Belmont, said they were "very happy" with the decision.

Scientology was the subject this week of the release of a high-profile and controversial HBO documentary, Going Clear. The documentary's allegations of psychological and physical abuse have been denied by the Church, which has described it as "bigoted propaganda".