Council says no to Waterford shops

Development of a service station, 7Eleven store and KFC at the Waterford Rise residential estate has not been supported by Baw Baw Shire Council.

The developer failed to convince council to rezone residential land to commercial to allow for a multi-use development at the entrance to the estate on Sandstock Drv.

The site is 8117 square metres and forms a gateway to the Waterford Rise estate from Princes Way, with a child care centre on the eastern corner of Crole Drv.

Sam D’Amico presented the case to council on behalf of his client, calling on council to rezone the land and approve his planning application.

The application sought approval for use and development of a service station, convenience restaurant, food and drink premises, a shop and a take away food premises, business identification signage, a reduction in loading bay requirements and waiver of bicycle shower/change room facilities.

A report to council said the applicant had identified two tenants including 7-Eleven and KFC.

It was proposed access to the site would be from Crole Drv. The development proposed 47 car spaces on site.

Mr D’Amico said the specialty shops could face the wetlands area so people could access both areas in a cohesive manner.

“Our client purchased this site to do this development and we have had preliminary discussions with the shire about this.

“It is an island site because it is surrounded by roads so that makes it an ideal block for rezoning,” he said.

The application also included a demand and economic effects statement to indicate how the proposal would not detract from existing commercial activity in the Warragul town centre.

A traffic impact study indicated there would not be significant.

Planning officers recommended council seek authorisation for the rezoning and place the planning permit application on public exhibition.

Officers said the planning scheme amendment was consistent with the state planning policy and would ensure land was available within the estate to accommodate commercial uses.

“This will facilitate convenience shopping for local residents and support walkability, good design and local employment opportunities,” the report said.

But, Crs Murray Cook and Mikaela Power moved an alternative recommendation that council not rezone the land.

Cr Cook said the proposal had the potential to impact adjoining residents.

He said the land was not shown as a commercial use and the structure plan did not provide for a neighbourhood centre in that location.

Cr Power said rezoning this land was not a “planned approach” and there were already traffic problems at the nearby roundabout.