‘Why we’ll fight servo giant to stop this 24-hour shop’: Residents protest planned new Kensington Park OTR

HUNDREDS have turned out at a public meeting in Adelaide’s east to protest against a planned new 24-hour On The Run servo, to go up near a historic theatre.

More than 200 residents turned out at a public meeting held in protest of a planned new 24-hour service station at Kensington Park. Picture: James Gratton

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MORE than 200 residents and business owners have gathered to protest against plans for a 24/7 On The Run service station in a historic part of Kensington Park.

The Shahin-family owned Peregrine Corporation has submitted plans for the $3 million service station on the corner of Kensington Rd and May Tce — on the site of Ozone mechanics — to the State Government’s Development Assessment Commission.

Packed house at Hula Hoop in Kensington to oppose Peregrine's plans for a On The Run @theTiser @messengernews pic.twitter.com/Pg1Vf7DcsE

— James Gratton (@jimmygratts) November 2, 2016

The site is just metres from the heritage-listed Regal Theatre.

Residents met at neighbouring cafe Hula Hoop last nightto oppose the plans and discuss its potential impact on the amenity of the area.

The site of the proposed new 24-hour service station is just metres from the heritage-listed Regal Theatre

Chris Shakes, who lives on May Tce and organised the protest, was concerned the petrol station would pose a safety risk to residents.

“This is an area where we have a lot of school kids coming to catch the bus and is currently a safe drop-off point in the mornings,” Mr Shakes said.

"Amenity will be destroyed" Cr Anne Monceaux of @CityofBurnside on plans for a petrol station in Kensington Park pic.twitter.com/pJOyf9pl3o

— James Gratton (@jimmygratts) November 2, 2016

“Trying to get out of May Tce with all these cars coming into get fuel around the buses is just a recipe for disaster.

“This is a David and Goliath battle — everyone that we speak to says we have Buckley’s chance.”

"A David v Goliath battle" Residents opposing Peregrine's plan for a petrol station in Kensington Park @theTiser pic.twitter.com/F7NeQEs8F4

— James Gratton (@jimmygratts) November 2, 2016

Mr Shakes argued another On The Run petrol station, Peregrine’s fourth within a 2km radius, was not needed in the area.

Burnside councillor Anne Monceaux, who attended the protest, said the petrol station would damage the suburb’s amenity.

“It is the amenity that will be destroyed, it is this little park that will be destroyed by a massive commercial development across the road,” Cr Monceaux said.

Burnside Council will discuss the plans at its meeting next week.

Community consultation on the plan is open until November 8.