The Everyman Store on Walter Road is now operating subject to conditions, including no viewing booths, external signage, partitions inside the shop and that it would be used in accordance with the definition of ‘Restricted Premises’ under Local Planning Scheme No. 3.
During a 21-day comment period, the City of Stirling received two petitions objecting to the proposal ” one with 130 signatures and the other with 63 ” along with 19 unfavourable submissions and eight supporting submissions.
A neighbouring shopkeeper said she was disappointed by the decision and believed councillors had not taken into account the petition she submitted opposing the store.
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READ NOW‘I am disappointed and puzzled that council ignored the petitions, emails and passed this to go ahead,’ she said.
‘It seems no matter how many complaints there were they were not taken into consideration.’
Stirling’s planning director Ross Povey said council considered all submissions, but ultimately the proposal was assessed according to planning grounds and under Local Planning Scheme No. 3 it was compatible with the area.
‘Given the proposal will function as a retail shop and will be in keeping with other commercial premises in the area it was approved subject to several conditions,’ Mr Povey said.
‘Council appreciates feedback from the community, however moral judgements are not a relevant planning consideration and the application must be solely considered on its planning merits.’