The Noranda Hills Nursery site.
Camera IconThe Noranda Hills Nursery site. Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim

Nursery redevelopment refused

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

PLANNING Minister Rita Saffioti has knocked back a proposed ALDI store at the Noranda Hills Nursery site.

The WA Planning Commission recommended refusal of a proposed scheme amendment to the City of Bayswater’s Town Planning Scheme No.24 to rezone Lot 2, 81 Camboon Road, Noranda from special purpose to business.

The City had previously recommended refusal in December, because the proposal was not urgent and changing the zoning with limited strategic planning justification represented ad-hoc planning.

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An ALDI, coffee shop, health studio, day care centre and seven residential units with a density residential code of R50 were part of the proposal.

In May, Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson tabled a petition signed by 344 people who were against the proposal because they believed the development would split the Noranda town centre and create potential traffic hazards.

Ms Sanderson said she was pleased the commission and Ms Saffioti took the community’s views into consideration.

“Splitting the town centre of Noranda would have been bad for local businesses and the local people who rely on them for employment,” she said.

“The State Planning Strategy aims to support existing urban centres and I believe commercial centres should be centrally located and consolidated to promote activation and access.”

Noranda resident and campaigner Ross Leighton said gratified that “common sense prevailed”.

“I expect other local residents will also be pleased with this outcome.”

Owner Bill Ntoumenopolous was contacted to comment.

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