26 August 2016
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An Aldi supermarket has been approved for development in Banksia Grove.
The North-West Metropolitan Development Assessment Panel supported the proposal for the shop and liquor store between Jewel Way and Coles at its August 22 meeting.
A report by the City of Wanneroo had recommended refusal but if that was not endorsed it provided an alternative recommendation for approval subject to 24 conditions.
This included that revised plans be submitted showing an architectural landmark element to the southern end of Ghost Gum Boulevard and at least 50 per cent of the glazed shop front remain unobstructed for “activation and visual interaction” of the boulevard, which will be the main street.
Presiding member Karen Hyde asked City representatives whether more detail could be provided on what was needed to satisfy the landmark element and was told they had tried to avoid dictating the requirements.
She said the applicant needed to “do more” and suggested incorporating a range of materials.
“This could be an Aldi store anywhere,” she said.
Urbis town planner Tim Dawkins said the development was suitable for the Banksia Grove’s main street and the design of store’s packing area overlooking it was the “most active” the panel would see.
“Aldi’s front glazing will never be covered,” he said.
“It’s a better outcome than an internal store.”
He said people would participate in the main street though cross shopping.
“People typically shop at Aldi first then go on,” he said.
The panel unanimously passed an amended motion, which added that the landmark feature include a range of materials and removed the need for a revised plan, and deleted “at least 50 per cent” from condition 10 so that “the glazed area of the shop front shall remain unobstructed.”
A condition requiring revised plans being provided to the City showing pedestrian access to the building towards Ghost Gum Boulevard was removed.