Liquor bid decision lauded

The panel’s presiding member Charles Johnson said it was refused from a planning perspective with the main reasons being traffic impacts, a shortfall on parking spaces and the amenity impact.

He added that the applicant, ALH Group, and the group against the development both had professional views on traffic impact but had opposite conclusions so that would need to be looked at.

ALH Group has the opportunity to lodge an appeal through the State Administrative Tribunal.

A representative for ALH Group said it was reviewing its options.

South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty said the City welcomed the decision.

‘If the proposed development were to go ahead, there would be significant impacts to noise, traffic and safety in our local community,’ she said.

‘The City does not believe there is a need for a Dan Murphy’s super-store, with 12 liquor outlets within a 4km radius of the Como Hotel site.’

Karawara resident Peter Howat also welcomed the decision.

‘Commendations to the DAP members who supported the City of South Perth officers’ official recommendation that the booze barn application should be rejected,’ he said.

‘It was clear that these three members had taken their time to avail themselves of the details of the application and agreed that there were likely to be numerous negative effects on the local community with no discernable benefit.

Swan MHR Steve Irons said it was a ‘win’ for the community.

‘The ruling reflects community sentiment and concerns raised by South Perth council, Main Roads WA, independent traffic consultants, Uloth and Associates and South Perth MLA John McGrath about the negative impact on residences and increased accident risk on Canning Highway,’ he said.