Proposed Bunnings megastore at Tempe deferred again

The proposed Bunnings megastore at Tempe has been delayed again after an independent traffic expert said it would have an “unacceptable” impact on local roads.

Tempe residents are vehemently opposed the use of a narrow residential street as the main entrance for the 20,000sq m store. Picture: Kate Christian

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THE proposed Bunnings megastore at Tempe has been delayed again after an independent traffic expert said it would have an “unacceptable” impact on local roads.

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel deferred the $70 million proposal for a second time after residents vehemently opposed the use of a narrow residential street as the main entrance for the 20,000sq m store next to Ikea on Princes Hwy.

The panel has asked the expert, Rhys Hazell of GTA Consultants, to advise what impact the WestConnex M5 tunnels would have on the already congested highway.

A submission from the hardware giant states: “The traffic study for WestConnex predicts that as a result of the tunnel, the existing traffic flows on the subject section of Princes Hwy will reduce by some 50 per cent”.

An aerial view of the proposed Bunnings at 728-750 Princes Hwy, Tempe.

In its reasons for deferral, the panel stated the tunnels’ impact “is likely to be of great importance and may make the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable traffic impact”.

But Smith St resident Katy Rogers said that argument is “redundant” because the proposal was about delivery trucks and thousands of customers’ cars making use of already choked local streets rather than the highway.

“Tempe is a quiet residential area, we don’t want Bunnings’s customers’ cars filling our very small streets that already only allow one car to pass at a time,” Ms Rogers said.

Catherine Stewart and her son Max are among residents opposed to the use of Smith St as the store’s main entrance. (AAP Image/Jordan Shields)

Cars exiting the store will be funnelled down Smith and South Sts as well as the extremely narrow Union St, which local children use to walk to the Tempe primary and high schools, prompting several parents to raise concerns over safety.

“Possibly what angers me so much about Bunnings and their approach to this development is that there has never been any community consultation with regards to this development,” Ms Rogers said.

Residents are also disappointed a Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) study has not been provided yet.

The proposed store is where the Pretty Girls warehouse is next to Ikea.

Bunnings Property Director Andrew Marks said two independent traffic studies had been done while an LATM was typically done post development approval.

A number of congested busting measures could include partial closure of local streets, installation of signage, traffic direction or banning heavy vehicles from certain streets.

“Once we are able to, we will be undertaking community consultation including a community information session and a letter drop to prepare the plan and will welcome input from the local community,” Mr Marks said.

Hundreds of Bunnings customers will be funnelled down the extremely narrow Union St which local children use to walk to school. Picture: Kate Christian.

Bunnings has requested the removal of parking spaces opposite the proposed store to improve traffic flow on the highway.

The panel’s reason for deferral stated Mr Hazell told the meeting the traffic impact would be “unacceptable” unless the parking spaces are removed.

The panel has requested Bunnings approach Roads and Maritime Services to request it reconsiders its opposition to their removal.

An RMS spokesman told the Courier: “As discussions with Inner West Council and the applicant are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate for Roads and Maritime Services to comment on proposed changes to kerbside parking along the Princes Highway.”