Eden Hill: Metro Central JDAP defers decision on proposed petrol station near primary school

THE Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel has deferred its decision on a proposed petrol station next to Eden Hill Primary School, in light of late information provided just an hour before today’s meeting.

Vibe Petroleum has proposed three fuel bowsers, a convenience store, signage and 12 car bays – worth $2 million – at 72 Walter Road East in Bassendean.

A 9m concrete crossover to Marion Street and a 10m concrete crossover to Walter Road East were also proposed.

The site was historically used as a service station but between 2014 to 2018, it has been used for an advertising billboard.

Eden Hill Primary School P&C Association members, students, teachers and Bassendean MLA Dave Kelly attended the meeting, where it was revealed panel members did not have time to sufficiently read an alternate motion provided by the Town of Bassendean, applicant Planning Solution’s responses and other information.

The panel unanimously resolved to defer its decision for 21 to 28 days for more time to consider the extra information and for the Town to provide more information on air quality and traffic in an updated report.

Town of Bassendean officers recommended refusal, citing the proposal not taking into account possible risk to human health or safety, failing to show how potential noise would be managed and not accommodating for heavy rigid vehicles and articulated vehicles.

Mr Kelly, who planned to make a deputation to the panel, said he came to support the school in wanting to get the application rejected.“I am pretty shocked that in the 21st century that we would be having an application to build a petrol station next to a primary school again,” he said.

“I am pleased it has been deferred today but I would really like to ask Vibe to re-think their application because even if for some reason they are able to get their application approved, the community campaign to see this enterprise not go ahead won’t stop and I will be supporting the community every step of the way.”Mr Kelly said there would be opportunities for other businesses to operate at the site.

“I think we are moving towards more renewable energy even in the area of electric cars, that is the direction we need to be moving and we certainly have enough petrol stations,” he said.