A GROUP of Freeling businesses have started the year off under a cloud of uncertainty after learning their Hanson Street premise is earmarked for demolition, to make way for a brand new Foodland supermarket.

The four businesses, including a FoodWorks, local chiropractor, hairdresser and the Early Rise Café received the news just two days prior to Christmas, via a letter from Light Regional Council.

The letter advised of a development application to demolish the existing supermarket, smaller retail and office tenancies in order to construct a replacement supermarket, with associated car parking and landscaping.

Those affected have until next Wednesday, January 13, to provide a submission ahead of the proposal going before council’s assessment panel.

Sharon Mowbray, of Freeling Hair Fashions, said news of the development had come without warning, and has been upsetting for herself and fellow local business owners, who are now faced with either finding a new location or ceasing to exist.

“I just feel a bit numb about it; I can’t really do anything,” she said.

“I’ve had my cry, because you know I’ve been here 24 years and feel like I’m a part of the community, and now I just feel like I’ve been dumped.

“And at the same time, I’m 57 and I don’t want to start again; we are at the stage where I could have been planning for retirement and putting extra money into my super – and I don’t have that choice now.”

Ms Mowbray said she isn’t opposed to new development but has been upset by the process, especially being notified so close to Christmas and in a holiday period.

“The building is old and it does need renovating so I can understand why they are doing it, I’m just disappointed how they’ve gone about it and haven’t taken into consideration the livelihoods of four businesses.

“I didn’t have any intentions of going anywhere but now I don’t have a choice.”

Freeling FoodWorks co-owner David Shilling said he first found out about the development application from his customers, who had seen an online public notification.

“We’ve been here about 14 years and it could be a loss of half a million dollars with what we’ve invested – and even up to a few weeks ago we were buying new equipment,” he said.

“I’m nearly 73 and this was going to be our retirement. We were going to sell it and use the money to retire on, and that’s all gone.

“I’m quite shattered.”

The Hanson Street property changed hands mid-last year and is now owned by a consortium of business owners.

Light Regional Council told The Bunyip no deliberate intent was undertaken to have the development application or any development application notified over the Christmas period, and that enquiries relating to the proposal were fielded prior to Christmas and upon return from the short council Christmas closure period.

“Once an applicant submits all the information required as part of a Development Application, the council is bound by statutory timeframes to process an application,” a spokesperson stated.

“The need to therefore notify development applications over part of the Christmas period is unavoidable and a process that all councils are required to navigate.”

Meanwhile, news of the development has also come as advertising is launched for a new business address across the road, at 6 Hanson Street.

The vacant property, which was sold last year, is currently being advertised as a potential new pharmacy or medical consulting space.

Expressions of interest are currently being taken for the 360sqm lettable space, to be available mid to late 2021.