Mosman Woolworths: Court determines new Metro supermarket

Almost two years after plans were released, a decision has finally been handed down into one of the most contentious development projects on Sydney’s north shore.

A decision has finally been handed down into one of the most contentious developments on Sydney’s north shore with the Land and Environment Court finding a Woolworths outlet in the Mosman CBD is suitable for approval.

One year, 11 months and 16 days after plans were lodged, the Land and Environment Court has given its support to a new $5.3 million Woolworths Metro supermarket in the Military Rd shopping strip, subject to the completion of final drawing plans and conditions of consent.

The decision is the last major hurdle for Woolworths to jump after taking the court action against Mosman Council’s rejection of the proposal last year on grounds including it was “contrary to the public interest” and presented “unacceptable” impacts on parking and traffic.

A concept plan of the development

The plans were also met with 736 written submissions from residents in two consultation periods that raised objections including impacts to the region’s small traders, traffic, heritage and concerns it would be out of character with the streetscape.

But in a principal judgment on Tuesday, court commissioner Tim Horton found the development complied with Mosman Council’s development standards and “warranted consent”.

During hearings, the main areas of contention centred on heritage, parking, traffic and the suitability of Lennon Lane as an access point to the proposed carpark.

A concept plan of what the carparking layout could look like.

Mosman Council challenged traffic studies by Woolworths which compared potential impacts to the Woolworths Metro outlet in Rozelle where 80 per cent of customers arrive on foot, arguing the methodology used to determine the provision of carparking spaces was “flawed” and did not adequately consider traffic behaviour in Mosman.

The council also objected to the Lennon Lane carpark access point, saying it was too narrow, unsuited to expected demand and could result in queuing and congestion in both Lennon Lane and Gouldsbury St

Fabcot – the development arm of Woolworths – said traffic impacts would be partly addressed through measures such as a “a dynamic signage system” that will alert drivers to the availability of parking spaces before entering the carpark.

The proposal has been subject to years of debate and community meetings.

During the appeal process, Fabcot made dozens of changes to the plans including removing advertising and signage above historic awnings, limiting trucks to a maximum of two per day and retaining heritage elements of the current buildings.

Commissioner Horton found parking provisions to be acceptable and that the traffic volume was “likely to be suited to the arrangement of Lennon Lane as proposed.”

“When the proposed car park is full, the dynamic signage system will indicate that reality on Gouldsbury St and so act as a disincentive for vehicles to enter,” he added.

Commissioner Horton recognised the development had “subject of keen public interest” and generated a large number of submissions during public consultation.

An aerial view sowing where the store will be built.

But he was not convinced of some of the concerns including whether there was enough demand for a new supermarket on top of several others in the local area including two Woolworths outlets in Neutral Bay and associated traffic impacts.

“While public submissions consider Mosman to be well served by supermarkets, the evidence before the court in both the economic needs analysis and the peer assessment prepared on behalf of (Woolworths) suggests otherwise.”

“Some objections were founded on the ease with which residents of the local area could drive to the existing Woolworths supermarket at Neutral Bay, should they choose.

“This particular argument only encourages the conclusion, in my mind, that residents who consider a Woolworths in Mosman to be unnecessary because they are able to drive to one in Neutral Bay are likely part of the very traffic congestion of which they, perhaps with good reason, complain.”

The store will involve the partial demolition of six federation and inter-war style terraces at 731-741 Military Rd.

In his decision Commissioner Horton gave Woolworths 14 days to submit final detailed drawings, and the same amount of time for Woolworths and Mosman Council to settle conditions of consent – something he said would “finally determine all matters in controversy between the parties.”

Final architectural drawings will incorporate how Woolworths intends to conserve historic features of the current buildings, and the finalisation of a loading dock management plan that will require drivers to be inducted on appropriate noise management and the correct use of Lennon Lane.

In a statement, Woolworths said it was now in the process of reviewing conditions and it was “delighted” the court “has found our development application is suitable for approval”.

“We look forward to delivering local residents a vibrant and convenient shopping experience that is sensitive to the unique village feel of Mosman,” Woolworths group general manager of property development Andrew Loveday said.

“Reflecting the strong interest in our plans over a number of years, we will keep local residents, community groups and local businesses informed on our next steps and will provide a timeline for the community shortly.”

Once built, the store will have approximately 500 sqm of retail space – about one seventh of the size of a standard full-line supermarket – and include a cafe and 20 rear carparking spaces.

Plans for the store show shoppers will not be provided trolleys due to the small-scale nature of the outlet that Woolworths said encourages shopping closer to home with most people walking or cycling

The site is currently home to businesses including Toni & Guy hairdresser, a noodle bar, and a clothing shop.

In a statement, Mosman Council said it “has not made any decision on appeal prospects.”