CONSENT has been granted for the development of a new supermarket in the heart of Freeling.
Last Wednesday, the Light Regional Council Assessment Panel granted development plan consent to an application for a Foodland supermarket, in place of an existing Hanson Street shopping complex.
Submitted by Beyond Ink on behalf of owner Freeling Investments Pty Ltd, the controversial proposal involves the demolition of the existing building at 3 Hanson Street, currently occupied by a FoodWorks, local café, chiropractor office and hairdresser.
Proposed in its place, is a 1300-square metre supermarket, with associated carpark, landscaping and rear property fence, at an estimated development cost of $1.5 million.
The supermarket floor retail trading area is proposed at just under 650 square meters, while the car park will have 27 spaces.
Light Regional’s senior planning development officer had recommended the application be granted development plan consent on the basis it satisfies the intent of the ‘Town Centre’ zone.
“The proposed development makes efficient uses of the land, in a policy area that seeks uses that serves the surrounding rural community and visitors to the town,” she said in her report.
Meanwhile, a total of seven representations from the public were received in relation to the application, however only one was valid, given the proposal is a category 2 type of development (for which only adjacent landowners can make comment).
The valid representation raised issue with the location of the loading dock, increased truck movement and construction noise, among other things.
Of the other six non-valid representations, one was in support of the proposal and five were against.
In response the applicant stated it is not the intention of the property owner to displace any of the speciality shops that will no longer be accommodated on the property.
“Each have been offered a ‘goodwill package’ to assist with the costs of relocating their business,” it said.
Separately, council received a petition of 97 signatures opposing the new supermarket.