‘This insidious OTR will come along, dominate space’: Vocal opposition at Burnside Council to planned servo

OPPOSITION to a plan to build a big new 24-hour On The Run in Adelaide’s east has produced one of the biggest public turnouts at a council meeting with people spilling from the public gallery into the halls.

‘Just say no’, pleaded residents opposed to the OTR planned for May Tce. Picture: Caleb Bond

• ‘Why we’ll fight servo giant to stop this 24-hour shop’
• ‘Your $50m tower will ruin an iconic Adelaide view’
• The next spot OTR wants to set up shop

ABOUT 80 people packed the public gallery during last night’s Burnside Council meeting in protest against a $3 million On The Run service station planned for Kensington Park.

The crowd — many waving placards reading “just say no” — was there to listen to debate on Peregrine Corporation’s plan for the station on the corner of Kensington Rd and May Tce.

Protest signs against On The Run servo on Kensington Rd. Burnside Council gallery packed out and spilling into the hall @messengernews pic.twitter.com/d5RVB8rMEI

— Caleb Bond (@TheCalebBond) November 8, 2016

Christopher Shakes, who organised a protest meeting of more than 200 people in Kensington Park last week, told last night’s crowd the 24-hour service station was a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of residents, road users and local businesses”.

The public gallery was full. Picture: Caleb Bond

May Tce resident Annalise Menzel said she lived in the area because the “little village mentality” had made it safe and secure.

When she learnt of the planned service station, “the feeling I had of peace and security in our neighbourhood disappeared”.

Staff tell me it's one of the biggest public turnouts they've seen for a meeting. @messengernews

— Caleb Bond (@TheCalebBond) November 8, 2016

The plans for the On The Run will be assessed by the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission (DAC), bypassing Burnside Council’s planning processes.

People flowed out into the hall, after the public gallery was filled to capacity. Picture: Caleb Bond

The council, which owns the nearby Regal Theatre, also voiced strong opposition to the plan, with councillors describing it as “revolting” and “hideous”.

“It destroys communities,” Cr Di Wilkins told the meeting.

@nickschadegg Increased traffic, disadvantage small business, safety concerns, fact it will be ruled on by DAC, bypassing council approval.

— Caleb Bond (@TheCalebBond) November 8, 2016

“This insidious OTR will come along … and dominate this space.”

Councillors repeatedly thanked the public for attending the meeting.

Burnside chief executive Paul Deb later posted on social media the council was “strongly opposed” to the service station.

.@CityofBurnside will make a submission to the development assessment authority raising strong concerns with OTR servo @messengernews

— Caleb Bond (@TheCalebBond) November 8, 2016

He called on residents to support the council by “lobbying government” against the plans.

The council will lodge a submission with the DAC outlining its concerns with the plans, including traffic issues, increased pollution and the impact on the area’s amenity.

The turnout at Burnside Council meeting, follows a public meeting in Kensington Park last week. Picture: James Gratton