7/Eleven service station development refused at Lismore Skimmo’s site

A decision to keep one of Lismore’s last corner stores was a major win for the business owner but he concedes the fate of the site is not in his hands.

Skimmo’s Takeaway in South Lismore has been saved from demolition.

People power has prevailed for one of Lismore’s few remaining corner stores but the fight might not be over, according to the business owner.

Lismore City Council refused a development application on Tuesday night which would have resulted in Union St corner store Skimmo’s being knocked down in favour of a 7/Eleven service station.

The development was largely objected by the community and prompted 1830 residents to sign a petition against it.

A number of concerns were cited as reason for objection by councillors including additional traffic, possible pollution of Hollingsworth Creek and flood mitigation.

Councillor Adam Guise labelled it a “service station in a town that already has numerous service stations”.

“The very fact that you’re putting a fuel depot on the flood plain in close proximity to Hollingsworth Creek, that in my mind is reason enough to refuse it,” he said.

Skimmo’s proprietor Kevin Handcock said keeping the store was crucial to retaining South Lismore’s “heart and soul”.

The building was opened in the late 1940s and while not heritage-listed, Mr Handcock said it was an indelible part of the community.

“I was so proud to be a small part of (the mission to save it),” he said.

“I think it’s amazing really to save a building like that, to save our heritage from a bulldozer.

He said the building was a part of the community’s history and a meeting place.

“It’s been a part of the community so long that it’s the last thing they want to lose.”

Mr Handcock said the win wasn’t only for him but for past owners and the community. Pictured here is 2014 manager Danny Perren and Renae Rickard.

However, Mr Handcock also acknowledged the battle was not over.

He said he planned to retire soon and said the handover of the site would be out of his control.

“I think they’re a huge company, I don’t think this will stop them,” he said.

“I don’t own the land, it’s up to the owners to do whatever they’d like to do with the land.”

But he said the perseverance of the community was hope enough for the future.

“I’m sure the community will rally around anything a servo will put up,” he said.

“If I was living next door to that shop, I wouldn’t want a four metre wall right up to my window, diesel fumes and whatever.

“I would have supported something dedicated to its heritage, part of the community, something that beautifies South Lismore but I can’t support that.”

Spectrum Retail Group’s Youil Adam on Tuesday said he sympathised with Mr Handcock but said environmental concerns had been mitigated with the development plans.

“I understand that Skimmo’s is a part of the South Lismore community however… we are still proposing to generate 10-12 employment jobs and still give back to the community,” he said.

“We aren’t removing anything from the community in this regard.”