A controversial service station and five-shop development in Camperdown will go ahead.
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Corangamite Shire councillors unanimously voted in favour of approving the plan for the corner of Manifold and Curdie streets at the town’s eastern end – subject to 40 conditions.
Although located in the commercial zone, the site backs on to residential properties.
Planning officer Scott Matheson said seven objections were originally received, but three were withdrawn following consultation and revised plans. The remaining objectors voiced concerns over smell, noise and light spill, increased traffic, excessive trading hours and potential damage to nearby trees.
Mr Matheson said the concerns could be “appropriately managed” through permit conditions.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, Camperdown resident Anthony Wall doubted the commercial necessity of another petrol station in the town.
“Such a close proximity to an already-established fuel outlet, as Safeway (located less than 700 metres up the road), I certainly don’t see what would be the benefit really to have two service stations so close,” he said.
Mr Wall said there were also a number of vacant shops already in the town’s CBD.
Nearby property owner Geoff Daffy said he was very vocal against the project when it was first proposed.
“I have had discussions with the shire’s planning department, and I must say quite fruitful discussions,” he said.
Mr Daffy said he still had a number of concerns, including the 5.30am-midnight trading hours, which he said were excessive.
“It’s a vacant block, it’s been sitting there, it’s an eyesore, it’s just a pity it couldn’t be developed into something else,” he said.
“As long as it doesn’t impinge on our space then we’re quite happy.”
Councillor Wayne Oakes said while he had concerns over the development, the council could not take commercial considerations into account when ruling on the plan.
“I did question the validity of a premises of this nature five doors down from a competitor in the industry. My main concern is… the impact these shops may have on all the established businesses, which we just don’t know,” he said.
“I’m also very much concerned for the impact of this type of business on the livability of the neighbours.”
Cr Ruth Gstrein said she hoped the 40 conditions would help meet the concerns of nearby residents. She agreed the opening hours were “a little bit excessive”, but said they could change over time.
“What I think will happen is the market will dictate the opening hours. I’d be very surprised if people were there buying petrol at that time of night, there is a 24-hour service station in the town and I think the market will dictate those opening hours,” she said.
“One important thing is the shop development and the service station development have to happen all at once, so it’s not a staged development.”
The site was originally a service station, which closed in the early 2000s, buildings were later demolished and the site has since been vacant.