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Safeway bid absurd at Emerald
Chris Mallon
23Jul08
PLANS for a supermarket development in Emerald are expected to be given the green light, despite community opposition.
Residents are calling for the proposed Safeway supermarket to be scrapped, saying the large development was inappropriate for the township.
Resident Geoff Richards opposed the proposal, saying the "whole thing is absurd". "It's quite a concern because the site is totally inadequate for the 127 car park spaces required and the increased traffic it would generate," he said.
"The intersection would have to be changed with traffic lights and a new roundabout to suit the development." He said the proposed supermarket had generated little debate within the Hills communities because nobody knows much about the development.
"The councillors have had heaps of opportunities to discuss the matter but there's been nothing in council newsletters it's been kept under wraps," said Mr Richards.
Emerald Village Township Committee secretary Frank McGuire said a presentation by the developer at a meeting in June resolved many issues concerning the proposal. A few objections were raised about the plan.
Last September, the Leader reported the proposed development was to be built on the AUR Food-Rite supermarket site on the corner of Belgrave-Gembrook and Monbulk roads.
It consists of a 2200sq m supermarket, two small retail outlets and a car park.
The council's planning and development manager Phil Walton said the application had been amended to respond to issues raised by the community, VicRoads and the council. Cr Graeme Legge said the amended application was being evaluated by council staff.
