RESIDENTS and Business owners in the Swan Valley are rallying together to stop a roadhouse and tavern proposed for Caversham.
The two-storey establishment is planned for West Swan Road, but locals claim it will destroy what makes the Swan Valley great.
Sandalford Winery chief executive Grant Brinklow said the proposed tavern and roadhouse would be built opposite the winery and would “in no way” enhance the region.
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READ NOW“As a rural tourism destination we do not want our visitors sitting in an urban-style tavern or unnecessarily driving right past another petrol station situation on one of the key tourist arterial roads that is not in any way integrated into a viticultural or agricultural property,” he said.
“This type of development would completely dilute the currency and essence of what makes the region so unique.”
Mr Brinklow said the application also did not meet planning rules.
“The application for the proposed roadhouse, restau-rant/tavern and tourist facilities overwhelmingly does not comply with the planning rules and policies for this location and should not be approved.”
Town planner and Swan Valley planning committee member Brian Hunt said: “This proposal contradicts the logic of the Swan Valley Planning Act that the area should remain for rural pursuits and viticulture, and separate from the urban area.”
“The Swan Valley should be a place for tourists – we don’t need another roadhouse or tavern.”
The proposal is open for public comment until March 9.
To make a submission, email Phillip.Russell@swan.wa.gov.au, reference number DA661-17.
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