Site settled, application lodged, now let us have a say Welcome to Bunnings

Alex de Vos
Bunnings has lodged its planning application to build a store with an oversize sign at the entrance to Torquay.
But Surf Coast councillors voted at a special meeting on Wednesday night to seek “ministerial intervention” for residents to have their say on the application.
Council will ask Planing Minister Justin Madden to remove a planning scheme amendment allowing him to fast-track the Bunnings bid without public exhibition or allowing appeals.
Council came under fire earlier this year for voting behind closed doors to hand Mr Madden power to approve the Bunnings application without hearing objections. Mr Madden also secured the right to approve signs larger than 10 square metres at the business park.
The deal attracted widespread community opposition to the prospect of Bunnings opening at Torquay’s entrance with a sign significantly larger than previously allowed.
Wendesday night’s meeting agenda revealed Bunnings had “acquired an interest in land” at Torquay’s West Coast Business Park and lodged its planning permit application.
The agenda noted that council faced the risk of a “community backlash” if residents discovered they could not have their say.
Councillor Dean Webster said council wanted “the community to be involved”.
He said the decision represented council trying to take back control of the planning process.
Councillors wanted Mr Madden to adopt their recommendation as soon as possible.
“I hope the Planning Minister gets onto this quickly so businesses don’t find a loophole,” Cr Webster said.
Victorian councils must make decisions on planning applications within 60 days or applicants can bypass councillors and go to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for approval.
Torquay Mitre 10 owner Evan Crick praised council for trying to give residents their say.
“It’s fantastic council is listening to what the community wants. As long as everything’s on an even playing field and the process is followed correctly it’s great.”
Mr Crick sought to move his store to the business park around a year before the Bunnings bid but council refused to allow an oversize Mitre 10 sign.