By Tom Cowie
First there was approval for a proposed six-storey building, including a Holiday Inn hotel and childcare centre. But that never eventuated.
Then came an application for something the inner north doesn’t need more of, according to locals. Particularly in a part of Melbourne where people are encouraged to walk, cycle and take public transport.
Antigone Komodromos (left) and Bob Cumming at the vacant block in Coburg North where a service station was proposed. Credit: Jason South
The application was for a service station.
There are eight fuel stations in Coburg and Coburg North, according to the Petrol Spy price comparison website.
Merri-bek City Council has sided with residents to refuse an application for another one at the corner of Gaffney Street and Sydney Road in Coburg North, as a service station is considered an underdevelopment of the site.
The property, located between the number 19 tram route and Upfield train line, has been vacant for at least 20 years, having previously been home to a service station. The land last sold for $4.31 million in 2022.
Plans for a new OTR fuel outlet, convenience store and car wash raised the ire of locals, who expressed concern about traffic impact and pollution.
Blair Wigley, who lives nearby, was one of 20 objectors. He said the area north of Bell Street was a “wasteland” with massive, empty lots that needed reinvigorating.
Rather than more car-centric infrastructure, Wigley called for affordable high-density housing.
“The intersection is already dangerous and polluted enough as it is,” he said.
An artist’s impression of the OTR petrol station that was rejected by Merri-bek Council.Credit: Merri-bek City Council
“As a commuter who crosses that intersection daily to get to the train station, [it would have] only exacerbated things as you’d have to dodge even more cars.”
Some residents who lodged objections online said the site should be used for electric vehicle charging.
Bike users are also worried about increased traffic, and said entry and exit points out of the petrol station would have crossed a shared bike and footpath on Gaffney Street.
Bob Cumming, from Reynard Street, said encouraging more cars in the area was a “recipe for collisions”.
“It’s not a good thing. They’re not looking for bikes, they’re looking for gaps in cars,” he said.
Cate Hall, from the advocacy group Safer Walking and Riding for Murray Road, said there had been dozens of crashes at that intersection.
“We want to see safer conditions, not increased danger, for the many locals who walk and ride,” she said.
In refusing the proposal, Merri-bek Council said the site sits in an activity centre zone with a preferred building height of 14.4 metres. Batman train station is a four-minute walk away.
A previous permit for a hotel and childcare centre on the block was issued in 2019 but had expired, the council said.
“Significant housing growth is sought because of the proximity to public transport and other services,” a spokesperson said.
“Council would like to see this site used in a way that contributes to increased housing choices in the right locations for future residents.”
An OTR spokesperson said the company was disappointed with the decision and considering an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
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