D-Day approaches for disputed 24-hour Corio OTR development

Geelong council will decide the fate of a controversial 24-hour service station after months of community opposition.

A render of the proposed OTR outlet on Cox Rd in Corio.

The long-running battle for a 24-hour service station and car wash to be built on a busy northern suburbs road is set to come to a head as Geelong council’s planning committee prepares to rule on the application.

Originally expected to open this year, ground has not been broken at 42-46 Cox Rd in Corio due to opponents of the OTR project proposed by Viva Energy raising several concerns.

They include the impact on businesses and local residents, particularly those on Nevada Ave, and a range of environmental issues.

“I do not want the extra pollution and fumes in the area, and the health risks and environmental impact are a major concern for me,” Corio resident Anita Robinson wrote in her objection.

Council launched a second public consultation phase earlier this year that incorporated some changes to the original plans.

The site sits on the corner of Cox Rd and Nevada Ave in Corio.

If approved by City Hall, it would be the first OTR – previously known as On the Run – outlet in the region.

On The Run was founded in South Australia by the Shahin family.

The company was purchased by ASX-listed Viva Energy for more than $1bn in a deal finalised in March last year.

Viva maintains the outlet would positively contribute to the area by activating a site that had been poorly maintained over many years.

The outlet would act not only as a service station, but a convenience store offering a range of everyday items.

While the vast majority of the site is vacant, a house at 42 Cox Rd would be demolished as part of the project should it proceed.

It would become the first OTR in the region.

The planning committee, chaired by Andrew Katos, will hear submissions and rule on the matter next Thursday.

Council’s most recent planning committee meeting, held in July, saw its members knock back an application for a third level to be added to an existing building permit for 2A Talbot St and 4-8 Paringa Lane in Barwon Heads.

That decision came after fierce opposition from a group of local residents.

Originally published as D-Day approaches for disputed 24-hour Corio OTR development