General News
30 March, 2023
Mayor's U-turn sees servo plans rejected
"People power" may have persuaded Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline to reverse her vote to approve a controversial service station planning application and instead cast her deciding vote in favour of local residents. Neighbours at the southern end of...
"People power" may have persuadedHorshamMayor Robyn Gulline to reverseher vote to approve a controversial service station planning application and instead cast her deciding vote in favour of local residents.
Neighbours at the southern end of Dooen Road had for months objected to a bid by developers to build a service station and 7/11 convenience store at the site of the existingAction Aids Australia mobility store.
On Monday night they were celebrating after an emotional council meeting during which Cllr Gulline settled the decision in their favour.
Three councillors - Ian Ross, Claudia Haenel and David Bowe - voted against the application.
Cllrs Penny Flynn, Les Power - and Cllr Gulline - supported the developers.
However, in the absence of Cllr Bob Redden, who is overseas, Cllr Gulline switched her initial vote.
"There was a lot of passion and feeling in the room," Cllr Gulline said afterwards.
At various times the mayor threatened to suspend the meeting if those in the public gallery did not stop interjecting, and when the final vote was cast there was a raucous round of applause.
Shesaid the service station would have been a legitimate use - a servo had occupied the site in the past - but council officers recommended limitingoperating hours, lowering the height of signs and switching off lights when the business was not in use.
VicRoads added furtherconditionsrestricting access of B-doubles and deliveries of fuel to off-peak periods.
However, certain concerns such as property values, competition and potentially hazardous fumes were not within the remit of councillors' considerations.
"Councillors who spokeagainst it were quite passionate," Cllr Gulline said.
Proposed site neighbour and one of the protest leaders John McKee said he was very relieved.
“I’m feeling very relaxed and obviously it’s a very good decision in favour of the neighbours,” he said.
“I’m so proud of the councillors who voted against the permit - they spoke with so much clarity.
“Very courageous by the mayor as well. First she was following the working procedure I guess, but she made the right decision at the end.”
Mr McKee said hard work by the objectors has paid off.
“It’s just impressive that our protests didn’t go in vain, whether it was on social media or putting the banners in front of our homes,” he said.
“I want to thank all the community members who supported us. It’s a win for the locals.”
The applicant - Urbis Pty Ltd, acting on behalf of Spectrum Retail Group - now has the right to appeal.
If it does, the decision will be in thehands of the Victorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal.