Bunnings forced to rethink plans for Goodwood Rd store at former Panorama TAFE
PEOPLE power has persuaded Bunnings to rethink its $42 million plans for a new mega store on an old TAFE site, after thousands of locals signed a petition.
PEOPLE power has persuaded Bunnings to rethink its $42 million plans for the old TAFE site on Goodwood Rd.
More than 2000 people have signed a petition protesting against the hardware giant’s plans that, locals say, will bring local traffic almost to a standstill.
The local show of force at a public meeting a fortnight ago has prompted Bunnings to tell Mitcham Council to delay consultation on the proposal.
A Mitcham spokeswoman said the council had not been informed about when Bunnings would submit its revised plans.
“The council is waiting on further advice from Bunnings following their request to not commence public consultation until they have reviewed comments arising from the Bunnings open day,” she said.
Bunnings property general manager Andrew Marks said the company would take the residents’ concerns on board.
“We are currently considering all feedback which has been received thus far and will be reviewing our development plan … over the coming weeks,” he said.
Two community groups have protested against the development since the company bought the site a year ago.
Representatives of each group attended the community open day a fortnight ago and told the Mitcham & Hills Messenger their concerns had not been heard.
Say No to Bunnings Panorama group had collected almost 2100 signatures against the development’s approval since October.
Group member and site neighbour Peter Bryant said the plan, in its current state, should not be approved because local arterial roads would not cope with the extra traffic.
Traffic experts expected an additional 4500 vehicle and truck movements every day, overloading the already congested Springbank, Daws and Goodwood road intersection.
“It’s already a high-traffic area without adding the rapid turnover of traffic this store would attract — its approval would be a bad outcome,” Mr Bryant said.
“There is a school opposite the site and the Bedford community is also nearby … it is an accident waiting to happen.
“This is a David-versus-Goliath struggle, but we expect the council to give due consideration to the genuine concerns of local residents in assessing any application to develop this site.”
Original plans showed the store would have a rear entry and exit point on Shepley Ave, creating concerns Bunnings customers’ cars would choke local backstreets.
Panorama Clapham Residents Group spokesman Neil Baron said Bunnings should amend plans to be a “good neighbour”.
“It would be beyond naivety to say that having this rear entry would not adversely impact on all locals when trying to get out of the area or simply trying to enjoy their garden in peace,” Mr Baron said.
“Our suggestion has been to have all vehicles (only) enter and exit from Goodwood Rd where a dedicated signal will be operating … everybody will be happy that way.”
Plans show the warehouse will include a cafe, nursery and parking for at least 370 cars.