Controversial mini-Coles plan for upmarket suburb hits hurdle

An innovative Coles supermarket planned for a ritzy westside suburb has hit a speed bump. And it’s all because of a bus stop.

Developer Pradella has been given until next month to explain to the State Government how its innovative Coles Local store in Bardon will ensure the safety of bus passengers.

And the owners of nearby Paddington Central Shopping Centre claim the project should be open to court action by the public.

The small-format store is one of the first planned in Queensland, with another at nearby Taringa recently given the green light by Council and the Government.

But the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) said it was concerned about the impact of the Bardon development on a nearby bus stop on busy Macgregor Tce.

Coles has previously pointed out it was not the owner or developer of the project and that it placed a very high value on public and staff safety.

“Safety is our number-one priority and Coles works closely with developers to ensure that safety is the key consideration in every aspect of a new store design,” a spokeswoman said at the time the development was first announced.

SARA wrote to Sinclair Planning suggesting the eastbound bus stop either be moved, or the proposed store access be moved or redesigned.

“The (traffic assessment) has not demonstrated how additional traffic generated by the proposed development will avoid direct impact on the safety and efficiency of bus services utilising the adjacent eastbound bus stop along Macgregor Tce at the western access location,’’ it said.

Aerial view of where the proposed Coles small format store would go.

“It is expected the existing eastbound bus stop will need to be relocated to accommodate for a wider driveway.

“An alternative location for the bus stop or road access would need to be investigated, giving due consideration to potential obstructions and safety issues.’’

A Council spokeswoman said the proposed application would retain the Macgregor Tce bus stop.

“No decision has been made on the application. It remains under assessment,’’ she said.’’

Residents who lodged submissions on the project were split, with some saying it would revitalise the area but others concerned about traffic.

“The existing shops in this location are only partially tenanted and the area is degrading (sic) without an attraction for increased foot traffic,’’ one resident wrote.

“Some residents have said they don’t need another Coles in the area, but we think the concept of a Coles Local would support access to local produce and products.

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“While traffic is busy, there are things which can be done to minimise the impact. Adequate

parking will help.

“Council may also like to consider putting in a no right turn sign, effective from 3-7pm.’’

But Morgan & Griffin Pty Ltd, the owners of Paddington Central, 1.2km away, said the project should be impact assessable and not code assessable.

The public is forbidden from taking code assessable developments to court and do not even have the right to be notified about them.

Morgan & Griffin argued in its submission that the true height of the Coles Local store would be three storeys, one storey higher than allowed in the Ithaca District Neighbourhood Plan.

Therefore, it should be impact assessable, they wrote in their submission.

The proposed development will involve demolishing three existing mixed-use commercial and retail buildings.

There would be 105 car park spaces within the two basement carparking areas.

Read more submissions and details on Council’s online development application portal pdonline. Search for application number A005505645