Plans lodged for Evans St, Belmont drive-thru coffee shop

Plans for a drive-thru coffee shop in a busy residential pocket of Belmont has upset some members of the community.

Evans St resident Ken Watt is opposed to plans for a convenience store at the end of his street in Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

Plans for a drive-through coffee shop and convenience store in a busy residential pocket of Belmont have locals up in arms, with fears it will make already heavy traffic worse and affect the character of the neighbourhood.

The outlet, which would also offer takeaway food and drinks, is proposed for 29 Evans St – a triangular parcel of land that sits between Roslyn Rd to the north and Settlement Rd to the south.

The project’s proponent is the operator of the nearby TSG outlet, on the corner of Roslyn Rd and Corio St.

It is understood the existing lease at that site is unlikely to be renewed due to redevelopment plans by the land owner.

According to planning documents currently before the City of Greater Geelong, an entry and exit point at the proposed site would be located on Corio St.

There would be an additional entry point on Evans St.

One of the key issues for objectors is the extensive opening hours being sought – 5.30am to 11pm Monday-Saturday, and 6am to 11pm on Sundays.

“The hours of operation are excessive and there would be significant light spill to neighbouring properties,” resident Phil Gul said.

“I’m fundamentally against the proposal … there’s a range of issues including amenity, traffic safety, waste collection and odour, and lighting.”

Fellow Belmont resident Ken Watt said the proposed location was inappropriate considering the road configuration in the immediate area.

“The traffic in the area of this (Evans St) corner is terrible now, and something like this will just make it worse,” he said.

Evans St resident Ken Watt is opposed to plans for a convenience store at the end of his street in Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

“And I think it’s just not needed, there’s a coffee shop on the corner (of High St) and many others in the nearby area.”

Currently zoned for residential use, the permit application is seeking council approval for non-residential use at the site, which most recently played home to a medical and office hub.

If approved, a total of six parking bays would be available for customers and staff.

“The takeaway food and drink premises will operate as a drive-through coffee premises from within the same building as the convenience shop,” planning documents state.

“Serving windows for orders to be taken and picked up will facilitate traffic flow through the site.

“The applicant is a successful and experienced investor in the locality who has a track record of producing high-quality commercial operations, including the current business at 77a Roslyn Rd.”

A traffic impact assessment submitted as part of the application concluded that “traffic generated from the development can be generally accommodated by Corio St and surrounding roads without causing a discernible change to traffic conditions”.

Public submissions close September 2.

Originally published as Plans lodged for Evans St, Belmont drive-thru coffee shop