Town of Bassendean to review permitted uses to stop undesirable petrol stations

PETROL stations and convenience stores at undesirable locations in the Town of Bassendean could soon be stopped from being developed.

Bassendean Council unanimously supported Councillor Kathryn Hamilton’s motion requesting staff to review and start the process of changing the permitted use of properties zoned local shopping to prohibit development of convenience stores and petrol stations at unsuitable locations at the December 18 meeting.

Staff will also review and start the process of changing the permitted use of properties zoned as town centre to stop more petrol stations and convenience stores being built at undesirable locations within the central business district.

This decision followed the Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel’s refusal of a proposed Vibe petrol station next to Eden Hill Primary School in November.

Cr Hamilton, who sits on the panel, stated in a council report that scheme amendments were about deciding appropriate and inappropriate land uses.

“The (JDAP’s) minuted reasons for refusal suggest that it is timely for the Town to now initiate a review of permitted land uses to ascertain the suitability of these types of businesses in various locations with a view to minimise potential conflicts between adjoining land uses and road networks,” she said.

Any scheme amendments will need to be approved by the WA Planning Commission.

Officers are expected to present a report at the February council meeting.

Bassendean MLA Dave Kelly, who supported the Eden Hill Primary School P and C’s campaign against the proposed petrol station, said it was great to see “real change” continuing to happen as a result of the community’s hard work.

“I fully support the Town of Bassendean updating their local zoning laws to prevent a situation like the Eden Hill petrol station from happening again,” he said.