Servo extension approved
More than 400 residents endorse development
A PROPOSAL to expand a rurally-based service station north of Toowoomba has been approved by the council, following a flurry of support from the community.
More than 400 submissions were made by neighbours and residents in Meringandan West in relation to the extension of the services at the Meringandan Produce and Trading Place on Goombungee-Meringandan Rd.
The proposal, to be carried out over three stages, would build a four-bowser refuelling station, 15 car parks and an underground fuel tank, ancillary shop and storage shed for the existing agricultural supplies store.
TRC planning officer Shokhida Safarova said in her assessment report the development was an expansion on the existing services already provided at the nearly-4000sq m site.
“The existing service station and agricultural supplies store including the existing shop and fuel bowsers located in the north-eastern part of the subject site will be retained,” she wrote.
“The existing dwelling house located in the western part of the site also will be retained and will be separated from the proposed development by an acoustic fence.
“Overall, the proposed development is considered to comply with the relevant assessment benchmarks of the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme 2012.
“Where applicable, the development can be conditioned to comply with the relevant assessment benchmarks.”
The development was accompanied by more than 400 submissions, with the vast majority carrying the same generic message that the servo would be a boost to the local area.
“The development will address an immediate need for expansion of these commercial uses at this focal point for the Meringandan West community, in particular, additional refuelling and other facilities offered as a result of expanding the existing service station,” the responses read.