City of Gosnells approves Huntingdale liquor store development application

CITY of Gosnells council has approved a development application for a liquor store in Huntingdale despite protests from nearby residents.

Council approved the store at a shopping centre on Pipit Close, much to the anger of residents who were in the chambers at the time.

Following a lengthy debate, council approved the application on the grounds they had no issues with the planning application itself, which was what they were required to vote on.

The motion to approve the application was passed 9-2, which prompted unhappy residents to storm out of the chambers.

Residents had almost unanimously objected to the application when it was advertised for public comment throughout July and August.

The City received 21 submissions regarding the store, all objections, concerned the store would potentially increase anti-social behaviour and there would be proliferation of liquor stores and/or licensed premises in the area.

Councillors Ron Mitchell and David Goode spoke in support of the liquor store as the shopping centre the store would be based at needed more activity and could provide additional job opportunities.

Cr Peter Abetz also supported the application and said while the residents raised very valid concerns, council could only vote on the planning side of the issue.

He reminded council should they approve the application, the liquor store would still require a liquor licence from the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor, so it would have to pass a public interest test before given the green light.

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