SIX commercial tenancies have been approved in Ashby despite concern over a 200-bay parking shortfall.
The Metro North West Development Assessment Panel gave approval for the tenancies, with potential uses including a medical centre, restaurant, bank, vet or hairdresser, at the corner of Hollosy Way and Fomiatti Street.
A report by the City of Wanneroo presented at the May 30 meeting said there was a 43-bay parking shortfall at the subject site and 200-bay shortfall across the entire centre, which extends to the existing tavern and service station.
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READ NOWIt noted a previous application for seven tenancies at the eastern part of the site was approved despite a 124-bay shortfall because on-street parking was available and the deficit was less when assessed under the State rather than district planning scheme.
The report found the shortfall acceptable because the requirement was based on a ‘worst case scenario’ and on-street and reciprocal parking was available across the centre.
City of Wanneroo councillors Frank Cvitan and Samantha Fenn were worried about the lack of parking, with the latter suggesting the developer provide dedicated bays for seniors and families near to the entrance as it was “unreasonable to expect” them to walk from the tavern.
City planning implementation manager Pas Bracone said there was no requirement for dedicated bays as it was up to individual retailers but said the City could work with the developer to encourage this, which acting presiding member Ray Haeren also recommended.
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