COUNCIL has opposed a 7-Eleven proposed near central Bendigo, with councillors unanimously agreeing it was at odds with strategic plans for the area.
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A 7-Eleven service station, offering petrol, and take away food and drink, was proposed for the corner of Arnold and Bridge streets.
On Monday City of Greater Bendigo councillors voted unanimously to advise the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that council did not support granting a permit for the proposed petrol station.
Related content: Plans to construct 7-Eleven service station in Bendigo's CBD
It came after developers appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the city's failure to determine the application within the statutory timeframe.
Council's decision was in-line with staff recommendations.
Agenda notes stated that the service station represented an unacceptable planning outcome in light of state planning policy, strategic planning for the Bendigo city centre and hospital precinct, and a development overlay.
Staff recommended the council advise VCAT and the permit applicant that it did not support the granting of a permit for the proposed service station.
Councillor Andrea Metcalf said there was no issue with the design of the service station, but the question was whether it was consistent with plans for the area.
Council budget 2021-22:
Cr Metcalf said it was "difficult to see" how the proposal had considered issues with the precinct plan.
She said an access point on Bridge Street was also likely to cause substantial disruption to traffic.
Councillor Dave Fagg concurred with Cr Metcalf, saying the proposal contravened much strategic work done about the hospital precinct plan.
Fourteen objections were lodged against the proposal during its period of public advertisement.
Among the objections was that the proposal didn't comply with council's plans to have the area as a medical precinct, linked to the Bendigo hospital.
Others stated that a service station would have long-term implications from an environmental perspective.
Some raised concerns that a 24-hour service station would exacerbate hoon activity, or further complicate traffic along Bridge Street.
Other news:
It comes as the council voted to put its proposed 2021-22 budget out for public comment.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
