Inner West Council prepared for court action after rejecting plans for a Bunnings store on the Balmain peninsula

INNER West Council has rejected early plans for a proposed Bunnings store in Rozelle due to “multiple” flaws in planning documents.

The proposed Bunnings store in Parsons St, Rozelle

INNER West Council has rejected early plans for a proposed Bunnings store in Rozelle due to “multiple” flaws in planning documents.

The council has given developers until February 10 to withdraw its proposal for the $11.8 million Bunnings warehouse on an existing industrial site opposite the White Bay Power Station.

In a letter sent to developers, the council raised 11 objections to the proposal including traffic impacts on residential streets and the Victoria Rd / Robert St intersection.

The proposed Bunnings store in Rozelle

The council also found the development plans did not assess noise impacts on nearby homes, failed to use correct flood analysis modelling, and lacked waste management plans.

In the letter, the council said the application would be “refused without further notice” if developers did not respond within the three-week cut-off date.

The proposal — which was lodged to the council in October — was developed by site owner John Lethlean in an agreement with Bunnings.

The council said it would defend its position if Mr Lethlean appeals the council’s decision in the Land and Environment Court.

Bunnings general manager of property Andrew Marks said the company would continue to work with Mr Lethlean and the council to “resolve the matters raised”.

“We remain committed to bringing jobs and investment to the local community, as well as a wide range of home improvement and outdoor living products, backed up by the best service,” Mr Marks said in a statement.

Grant Crowle, who owns the nearby Hardware Store, feared the development would put him out of business. Picture: Craig Wilson

Other objections raised by the council included a proposed loading dock and ramp that doesn’t adequately service the development, impacts on heritage conservation and a “signification breach of the zoned floor space ratio.”

According to the council’s website, the development proposal received 68 submissions from residents during community consultation in December.

The proposal was also met with opposition from existing independent retailers on the peninsula, including the Hardware Store which operates 600 metres from the site.