Woolworths has scrapped its plan for a big new Masters Home Improvement store at Glynde, in Adelaide’s east

A RETAIL giant has scrapped its plans for a big new hardware store in Adelaide’s east — after its bid for the more than 12,000 sqm space was twice rejected.

Masters Home Improvement for its first day open.

MORE: Masters chain to open 11 new stores in SA

MORE: Work to start on Adelaide’s first Masters Home Improvement store

MORE: Council rejects amended plans for Glynde

WOOLWORTHS has scrapped its plan to build a Masters hardware store in Glynde.

The supermarket’s corporate and public affairs officer, Bianca Agius, said last week it had decided against applying to Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council for a third time to build the store on the corner of Glynburn and Davis roads.

Ms Agius refused to explain why the company had walked away from the plan and would not comment further.

Residents campaigned against the proposal for the past two years, arguing it would have caused traffic and parking issues.

Davis Court resident Ian Rohde, who led the campaign, was pleased Woolworths had given up on the development.

“The plan was inappropriate because of its proximity to residential houses and the enormous traffic impact that the development would have placed on the very narrow Davis Rd,” Mr Rohde said.

“I don’t have any problem with development, but the proposal did not provide a suitable buffer zone between the shop and the homes, so I’m happy with their decision not to build a shop there.”

The council’s development panel rejected Woolworths’ first application for the store in June 2012 after it received a 180-signature petition against the development.

The panel rejected a revised application to build a smaller store at the site in February last year.

The panel, which received 36 representations opposing the plan, ruled the building would exceed the area’s two-storey height limit and create too much traffic on surrounding streets.

At the time, Woolworths told the East Torrens Messenger it was working on a new proposal for the site to address traffic and other community concerns.

Payneham Ward councillor Carlo Dottore was not against the development, as long as it addressed residents’ traffic issues.

“If Masters was not willing to modify the plans and make it friendly for the local people, then I’m happy for it not to go ahead,” Cr Dottore said.

“Development can add to the area, but it’s not suitable if it’s going to cause pain to the local residents.”

Mayor Robert Bria said the original proposal was too big for the site and the company did not work well enough with council planners and residents to come up with a compromise.

Masters, which has opened 45 stores in Australia over the past two years, is a joint project between Woolworths and US hardware retailer Lowes.

The company’s first South Australian store opened in Mount Gambier in August 2012.

Work on two stores in the city’s west began earlier this year.

The homewares stores will stock about 35,000 different products including, tools, gardening equipment, kitchens, bathrooms and flooring.

TELL US BELOW: Are you pleased the proposed store won’t go ahead in Glynde?