FURIOUS Bunyip readers have blasted a decision to allow multinational supermarket chain Aldi to demolish the site of Tod Street businesses and establish a second Gawler store.

The State Commission Assessment Panel last Friday granted development consent to Aldi, devastating small-business owners, and frustrating many others concerned with increased traffic congestion and the growing number of supermarkets in the town.

Dozens of readers reacted furiously on The Bunyip’s Facebook page, saying “the last thing Gawler needs is another grocery store...(that will) severely clog the already messy streets”.

The Aldi development, estimated to cost $5.14 million, excluding fit-out, includes rooftop solar to power the site, retail floor space of 1150 square metres and an 86-space carpark. It will be the second store in the area for Aldi, with one at Gawler Green, Evanston.

Despite Aldi’s request for seven-year planning consent, the panel has given it two years to substantially start construction and three years to have it completed, unless granted an extension by council.

The assessment panel, which met virtually, heard two representations before deciding the development application, which involves the demolition of two buildings at 5-7 Tod Street and construction of the supermarket, was “not seriously at variance with the policies in the (Gawler) Development Plan”.

“The application has been assessed against the relevantprovisions of the Town of Gawler Development Plan,” the panel said. “In particular, it is noted that shops in the form of a supermarket are envisioned in the zone.

“...The applicant has demonstrated that the proposed development will supply an acceptable amount of carparking, will be attractively landscaped and will not result in unreasonable amenity impacts.”

The panel received three representations on the proposal and heard from two on Friday. Carol Olsen of the Harmony Property Investments Group, which owns the adjacent Big W/Woolworths building, raised concern over the appearance of the building and how it suited the town’s historic nature.

“Harmony supports the introduction of new investment in the north, and supports greater competition within the supermarket retail sector; however, believes this should be done so in line with the Development Plan guidelines, with respect given to the historic nature of the town,” Ms Olsen wrote.

“The application submitted appears to be proposing the least amount of effort to activate and enhance the site. It is simply a large box, with no interesting architectural features or points of interest. The proposed development is in complete contrast to the rest of the township, and if approved, would set a precedent for having complete disregard for the historic conservation of the township.”

Ekistics Planning and Design, on behalf of Aldi, submitted revised plans for the proposed development, which it said were amended in direct response to issues raised.