THEY gave themselves just a “one in three chance” of success.
The objectors to a controversial proposed service station in the Swan Hill CBD were yesterday rejoicing after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal overturned Swan Hill Rural City Council’s decision to grant a planning permit for the Coles Express outlet at the corner of Beveridge and McCallum streets.
VCAT senior member Anthony Liston handed down the verdict on Monday, finding the proposed service station would result in a long-term change to the character of the subject land and that the proposed development was unlikely to boost economic activity or employment.
Mr Liston was not satisfied the proposal would “contribute positively” to the importance of McCallum Street to the CBD and found it “inconsistent with important aspects of planning policy”.
Mr Liston said the service station’s proposed hours of operation were excessive and that he had concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety near the station entrance on Beveridge Street.
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