Brendan Simpkins

GAWLER Council’s Assessment Panel has given its support to the proposed Aldi supermarket development, with further considerations needed.

A development application for the new supermarket to be located at 5-7 Tod Street has been lodged with the State Planning Commission.

It would see the demolition of the existing building to make way for the new store, at a cost of close to $5.14 million.

Council was supportive of the proposed use of the space, however held concerns over the design of the building on heritage grounds.

This included the sitting of the building on the site, with the location of car parking alongside the road frontage not deemed appropriate.

It was also considered that the proposal would “further erode” the historic character of the area rather than reinforce and enhance it.

Council recommended six amendments to address its concerns including moving the location of the car parks to the rear of the building and moving the building closer to Tod Street to activate road frontages.

It was recommended that design include traditional gable roof and a verandah with posts be incorporated, as well as colour finishes that reflect the historic character of the area.

The proposal includes 86 car parking spaces, which is considered to exceed the typical demand at Aldi stores.

Council said it would be supportive of the removal of car parking space in favour of a dedicated pedestrian link through Tod Street.

It was also in favour of additional landscaping that would “soften the built form and hard paving” within the car park.

Four access points will be created including a heavy vehicle entry on Reid Street, a light vehicle entry on Reid Street, exit only on the western side of Tod Street and an entry and exit on the eastern side of Tod Street.

Heavy vehicles would enter via left hand turn from Reid Street and would exit via a left hand turn back onto Reid Street.

Two deliveries would occur by a 19-metre semi-trailer on average per day, with a small truck to deliver bread once a day.

A traffic impact study expected the store to generate 200 trips on Thursday peak-hour and 250 trips on Saturday peak-hour, an increase of 140 trips on Thursday and 206 trips on Saturday.

Council’s engineer reviewed the proposal and found no additional stormwater discharge was anticipated.

However, council’s stormwater system is already over capacity in the area, and encouraged a level of stormwater detention be provided onsite to help alleviate the strain already placed on the system.

Council’s recommendations for further consideration were due to be forwarded to the State Assessment Panel by March 16.

This will be the second Aldi supermarket located in Gawler in addition to the current site at Evanston.