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Land earmarked as the site of a new supermarket in Castlemaine must be rezoned to Commercial 1 before building can commence on the new business.
On Monday, an independent planning panel released its report on a proposed planning scheme amendment that would pave the way the supermarket’s development.
If successful, the supermarket would be developed on an old gasworks site at 98 Forest Street and include adjoining land at 2 Urquhart Street, 2A Urquhart Street and 2 Duke Street.
The panel was appointed in February after Mount Alexander Shire councillors resolved to request the Minister for Planning Richard Wynne appoint the independent panel.
Mount Alexander Shire director of sustainable development Jason Taylor said the panel accepted the proposed supermarket’s net community benefit to the town and shire through increased retail spending, employment, and construction, with little or no negative economic impacts on the Castlemaine Commercial Centre.
“The report also addressed matters raised during the submission process such as land contamination, landscaping and potential impacts on amenity, heritage, traffic, parking and noise,” Mr Taylor said.
“Council is expected to determine whether to adopt the amendment over the next few months before sending it to the Minister for Planning for approval.”
The panel also addressed delivery vehicle access to the site and recommended the provision of a Loading Management Plan.
A Loading Management Plan would limit the size of delivery trucks to 19 metres, and specify the loading and unloading of goods at a designated loading bay between the hours of 7am to 10pm.
Before council considers the amendment officers will work with the EPA on the final planning permit conditions to address any site contamination and ensure aboriginal cultural heritage requirements are met.
Mr Taylor said that during the panel hearing in March there were some assumptions that an Aldi brand supermarket would be built but stressed that it is not yet known which supermarket brand will occupy the building if the amendment is approved.