Chris Sime: Grantville developer pulls application citing ‘lengthy delays’ with council

The developer of an $8m Grantville retail precinct has decided to sell, citing lengthy delays with council and an “ungrateful” community.

Members of Grantville waiting for the highly-anticipated supermarket

The developer of an $8m Grantville retail precinct has pulled the pin citing lengthy delays with council and an “ungrateful” community.

Chris Sime said he bought the 1517 – 1529 Bass Highway site in June 2020 following months of research.

The first plan included a highly-anticipated supermarket, but council rejected the plans saying it would be a “breach of the overall development plan” as a supermarket has been “earmarked” next door.

Mr Sime said the “awkward” progress of the site was held up because he claimed council missed deadlines and “fought” his plans at every turn.

“The planning application should have been straightforward and was meant to take nine months, but it ended up taking 17 months,” he said.

Bass Coast councillors approved the development earlier this month which was set to include five retail stores, a 24-hour drive-through restaurant and a petrol station.

But Mr Simes said the community said they “didn’t want” a McDonalds and instead wanted a supermarket.

The 800 locals who call Grantville home have to travel for groceries to San Remo, Wonthaggi or Koo Wee Rup — a 30 minute drive to the nearest police station.

“I know the community want a supermarket, but council told us we couldn’t build one,” Mr Sime said.

The Gold Coast-based developer has now decided to sell the site and blames the council’s processes and the “negative” community.

“I couldn’t handle going through building a project in Bass Coast with this council and the local’s negative attitudes,” he said.

He said his decision to sell was a “consequence” of the council and communities actions as he preferred to develop in another town where they “appreciate” him.

Council was contacted for comment.