Expansion to precinct hits hurdle

There could be no end in sight for residents and commuters stuck traffic congestion after Shire of Augusta-Margaret River planners recommended against a major expansion for the future Rapids Landing supermarket precinct. Developers the Lester Group want to scale up the existing proposed centre to a full-sized complex suitable for major retailers such as Coles and Woolworths. The application more than doubles the size of the endorsed 1500sqm supermarket, and boosts overall retail space from 6000sqm to 7800sqm. Until the commercial site near Tingle Avenue is developed, the developers will not construct much-needed second access routes, despite school traffic currently being jammed twice a day. In a recommendation to be considered by councillors next week, planners said they recommended against the WA Planning Commission endorsing the increased application. The Shire council would not be the decision-making authority on the structure plan modification, but the recommendation was partly informed by the Shire’s long-term opposition to major satellite supermarkets outside of townsites. “The proponent has advised that the main motivation for seeking the change is that the larger commercial area will make attempting to source a future anchor tenant easier, and if a full-line supermarket is not viable in the short term a larger land area will enable the centre to grow over time as required,” the report said. About 40 public submissions were split in support for the application. “It is clear that residents living in close proximity to the neighbourhood centre were most keen to provide comments,” the report said. “The number (of) submissions both for and against the proposal were generally similar – 18 for, 20 against/unclear. “Interestingly, 11 of all submissions mentioned the need for the extension of Leschenaultia Avenue to be undertaken as a priority,” the report said. “The Department of Education also strongly encouraged the Shire to seek construction of the Leschenaultia Avenue link as soon as possible.” Developer Stuart Lester declined to comment before deadline. He previously told the Times infrastructure work to develop two exit sites in Rapids Landing had to be undertaken in tandem with any commercial development. The application would remove some residential lots from the subdivision. The Times understands while WAPC would make the ruling, the decision could still be challenged before the State Administrative Tribunal.