HORSHAM Rural City Council has reiterated its opposition to a new service station on Dimboola Road.
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The council rejected a planning permit for a new fuel station at the corner of Dimboola and Wawunna roads at a meeting on September 17, 2017. Councillors believed it would have adverse effects on nearby residents and businesses.
The permit applicant has since lodged a review against the council’s refusal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and has amended its planning permit to address concerns.
Horsham Council’s statutory planning and regulatory coordinator Nick Carey said the most significant change to the permit plan was the relocation of the control building, which creates a buffer to the adjoining motel.
“In an attempt to further reduce any impact on the motel to the west it is proposed to construct a 4.2 metre high colourbond noise attenuating boundary fence," he said. “Although this may achieve a degree of noise reduction, it will however be a visually dominant element.”
Despite the permit plan changes, councillors voted that its refusal of the planning permit should be reiterated to VCAT.
Cr Mark Radford said proposed service station’s location was a problem. He said the council should not approve a 24-hour fuel outlet next door to an existing motel.
“I acknowledge there has been alterations to the plan on how the traffic moves, but the fundamental hours of the operation hasn't changed,” he said. “We welcome new businesses to Horsham – especially in the climate of high fuel prices – but, the location is important and that needs to be done right.”
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Crs Alethea Gulvin and Pam Clarke agreed that the council should encourage business growth, but also needs to support current businesses.
“It is difficult to balance the needs of current and new businesses. But, there is land on that road that would be better suited,” Cr Clarke said.
Cr David Grimble said he supported the position of the council, but he was not convinced there is an issue with the site. He said the council should be focused on creating new business and employment opportunities for Horsham.
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