A 7-Eleven service centre on Ryley Street will go ahead after 2.5-year battle between proponents and the local objectors, including Wangaratta council. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approved the permit earlier this month following the lengthy process and VCAT members Donna D’Allessandro and Clair Bennett approved the permit with 148 rulings. In summary the location of the service centre, traffic, noise, neighbourhood character, signage, odour, and lighting were the main objections. Key issues were the service centre’s proximity to residential buildings along Meldrum Street and traffic. “We agree with the evidence from Mr (John) Glossop (town planner) that the attributes of the review site, on a large corner site, on a main road with limited residential abuttals, makes sense to capitalise on the opportunities provided in this location,” the VCAT members said. “Service stations are typically positioned on main roads with a view on capitalising on passing motorists. “They are an essential part of the transport network and their services are replicated along the transport corridor to make fuel-based vehicle movements possible.” Prior to the commencement of the hearing the applicant circulated amended plans to include increased setbacks, a pedestrian path, an acoustic fence, altered the 12 car park area, reduced the height of signage, and added more street tree planting. The single building will have an irregular shape, with a width of 8m and a depth, measured along the southern elevation, of 15.78m. It will be setback 3m from the eastern boundary and 1.7m from the southern boundary (Meldrum Street). It will be set at an angle from Meldrum Street and within this setback will be a staggered 1.8m high corten acoustic fence, landscaping and a bin enclosure. Council also submitted that it had a concerns about the entry and exit proposed from Perry Street due to the large existing traffic island. They said this could result in increased traffic along Meldrum and Moore streets as motorists attempt to regain access to Ryley Street. However, the VCAT finding noted that traffic can be managed by the existing conditions in Perry and Ryley streets and it will provide for safe access in line with the planning scheme. Leading objector and nearby resident Jeremy Kraybill said the community was dissatified with the outcome but he confirmed they would not appeal to the Supreme Court. “The consensus among the neighbourhood is that we are very disappointed but we have to go with the decision that they gave us,” Mr Kraybill said. “We still want to make sure that this isn’t going to be a disruption to people who live on Meldrum Street.” “The system definitely favours deep pockets and I think that’s what we ran into, but we’re not going to rebel against it, we just have to make it work for everyone, especially the people who live next door to the development. “VCAT did give them some conditions such as they can’t have fuel deliveries at night and other things that are pretty hard to enforce, but if they start violating those conditions they’re going to hear from the neighbourhood, for sure.” On the upside, Mr Kraybill said the issue really helped bring the neighbourhood together. “It mobilised people and a lot of connections were made and people got to know each other,” he said. A Rural City of Wangaratta spokesperson confirmed that VCAT handed down its decision to issue a planning permit, overturning council’s original determination. "While council is required to comply with this ruling, we acknowledge that the outcome may be disappointing for some members of our community," they said. "Council remains committed to upholding transparent planning processes and advocating for decisions that reflect the best interests of our municipality." A 7-Eleven spokesperson said they were pleased that VCAT have reached this conclusion. "We have continued working with our developer partner Dixon, to design the store to our specifications and be compliant with the associated conditions of the approved planning permit," they said. "7-Eleven Australia remain eager to invest in regional areas of Australia, including Wangaratta, providing access to the same choice and convenience enjoyed in metro areas and the creation of local jobs."
