An artist impression of the proposed Iluka Plaza.
Camera IconAn artist impression of the proposed Iluka Plaza. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Proposed Iluka Plaza supermarket allowed to trade later

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

A PROPOSED supermarket for Iluka could be allowed to operate with extended trading hours.

The $8 million Iluka Plaza was approved by the Metro North-West Joint Development Assessment Panel in May with a last minute additional condition to limit the hours of operation for the IGA supermarket and liquor store from 8am to 9pm every day.

The applicant – AGEM Property Group – then appealed the condition to the State Administrative Tribunal, with the panel recommended to reconsider its decision.

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Iluka Plaza commercial centre approved

While the applicant had requested a condition restricting trading hours be removed, which could potentially allow the supermarket to operate 24/7, City of Joondalup officers recommended the hours be restricted to 6am to 11pm.

The applicant said there were no planning controls that govern the operating hours of supermarkets, concerns had not been previously raised about operating hours, and extended operating hours were critical for independent supermarkets like IGA to compete with the large chains such as Coles and Woolworths.

Concerned resident Patricia Grimmer, who lives opposite the site, disagreed there were no planning controls to restrict operating hours, saying there was legislation to restrict 24/7 operations to “small retail” shops only that have to meet certain criteria.

She believed an anchor tenant with 13 IGAs across Perth did not meet that criteria.

An artist’s impression of the Iluka Plaza proposal.
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the Iluka Plaza proposal. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

However, Joondalup planning services manager Chris Leigh clarified there were no planning controls to restrict trading hours, which were controlled under separate legislation.

“The client will have to use the relevant legislation to determine at what times they can legally operate,” he said.

He added, however, that amenity of the surrounding area was a planning consideration and operating 24/7 was not appropriate here.

Resident Nannette Brammer said the proposed Iluka Plaza was already detrimental for surrounding residents and increasing the trading hours was a “slap in the face”.

She raised concerns of increased noise and light pollution, traffic, crime and antisocial behaviour “being brought to our doorstep”.

Shailee Desai also objected to the applicant using commercial viability as a reason to justify removing the restriction, which Mr Leigh agreed with saying it was not a planning consideration.

Decision deferred on $8m Iluka development

Mr Leigh also said the supermarket windows did not face residential properties and the City had also recommended access to the upper floor carpark be restricted from 10pm to 5.30am to discourage people using Callis Avenue after hours.

While the applicant supported this condition, it preferred for the removal of any restriction on trading hours.

Dynamic Planning and Developments director Neil Teo said there were several 24/7 IGAs in Perth but it was up to the proponent to make that decision.

He said the supermarket would be accessed using the undercroft carpark via Burns Beach Road, which would be enclosed by concrete walls so noise levels would be “well under the allowance”, and having activity on the site would help to reduce antisocial activity with passive surveillance.

Panel specialist member Fred Zuideveld said he agreed with restricting access to the upper carpark and believed there would be “virtually no light spill” on Callis Avenue from the supermarket and with the undercroft carpark fully enclosed, the noise would be “virtually nil”.

Joondalup councillor Christine Hamilton-Prime said sufficient measures had been taken to curb the issues previously raised and she believed an empty facility would attract more crime.

The City’s recommendations were unanimously approved, which also included restricting deliveries to between 7am and 7pm and advising drivers only to use Burns Beach Road.