AN OFFSHOOT arm of the Church of Scientology has lost its Land and Environment Court bid to build a super drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre at Yarramalong­.

Residents and Wyong Council are celebrating the “landmark” decision by the court.

In 2013, Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE) lodged the application to build the first Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in NSW at the Rose Hill Lane property.

The Narconon program uses the methods and principles of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and has attracted criticism by medical authorities for its “cold turkey” methods.

Wyong Council knocked it back in April last year following uproar by residents and ABLE lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court.

On Tuesday, Acting Senior Commissioner Graham Brown dismissed the appeal on the grounds of a failure by the applicant to address resident concerns about social impacts as well as the site not being suitable because of bushfire risk.

The court cited a lack of information about sewage disposal, flooding risks, adequate water supply and traffic impact while the works required to develop buildings on the site were never approved.

Yarramalong Community Action Group spokesman Ron Lee said residents were ecstatic over the decision.

“It’s an early Christmas present for Yarramalong,’’ Mr Lee said.

“Commissioner Brown had a number of valid concerns about the proposal.

“We feel justified and the council staff do, too. We are so grateful to the council staff for fighting this and helping us to get this result.’’

media_camera Resident action group members Ron Lee and John Darling with other concerned residents at the proposed Yarramalong site.

Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton said the landmark decision was a major win for residents and “testament to the resolve of the council to continue the fight against inappropriate development”.

“Right from the start the residents raised genuine concerns about the impact this facility would have on the local community and didn’t rest in their resolve to fight it,” Councillor Eaton said.

Earlier this year, ABLE president Kaye Conley said her association was the owner of the Yarramalong property, and not the Church of Scientology. She said Narconon programs operated around the world.

Ms Conley said ABLE was reviewing the decision and will not be commenting in detail until it has properly considered the findings.

“We remain firmly committed to resolving the serious scourge of drugs on society. There is an urgent need in the community for further drug rehabilitation services to help individuals in their recovery from drug and alcohol problems,’’ she said.