The City of Greater Bendigo has approved an amendment to a planning permit for the Epsom Village Shopping Centre.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It will allow for the improvement of the Howard Street-Midland Highway intersection as well as securing land for the development of a fast food restaurant and large-scale chain store.
The final permit is expected to be issued next month.
The decision to approve the planning permit amendment was made by an expert panel. Four objections about the development were submitted. With four or less objections, council did not need to consider the amendment.
Part of the planning permit will see developers provide a dedicated left-hand turning lane from Midland Highway into Howard Street, and a dedicated left-hand turning lane from Howard Street onto the highway.
The Department of Transport has also specified that the additional land for the turning lanes will need to be provided up front.
Developers now having about five years remaining to complete the works. No tenant can occupy the development until the roadworks are complete.
Related:
City Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said the works would be a positive step towards addressing community concerns about safety of the intersection.
"It's not unusual to place conditions on planning permits to contribute in some way to local infrastructure," he said. "However when large planning applications like this are received it is an opportunity to consider what is reasonable and proportionate.
"These works are significant and will be a positive step towards addressing community concerns around how the intersection functions and its safety. The works will certainly open up the intersection and help it to better cope with increased traffic, so we appreciate the applicant's willingness to contribute to a good community outcome."
Should both the Epsom Village development and the KFC development - located on the opposite corner - go ahead as planned, the combined roadworks will help to address some community safety concerns.
Almost 19,000 vehicles use the Midland Highway every day.
This year, council is also planning to upgrade the strength and durability of the Howard Street bridge as well as widening it to make it safer for pedestrians.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Download our app on iOS and Android
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News