Minister rejects 1000 square metre cap

June 24, 2008: Planning Minister Frank Sartor has rejected a plan by the Bega Valley Shire Council to restrict the size of commercial development in Merimbula.

He said the Local Environment Plan, that would have imposed a 1,000 square metre cap on any new retail shop, including supermarkets, had been refused in keeping with independent advice from consultants Hill PDA who were commissioned by his Department to examine the implications of the proposed LEP.

This decision was consistent with the South Coast Regional Strategy which identified Merimbula as a ‘major town’.

"We need to support our existing centres to assist their role in being active and vital retail and economic hubs for local residents," Mr Sartor said.

"This role could easily be undermined if the 1,000 square metre limit was put in place."

Mr Sartor said potential impacts of development applications for proposals such as supermarkets could be addressed as part of council’s consideration at the DA stage.

Meanwhile, plans for retail development in Tura Beach have been approved, providing an additional 5,000 square metres of retail development, including potential for a supermarket but not a bulky goods centre.

The mayor, Cr Tony Allen, said the Tura Beach decision was in line with Council's request regarding the site on the corner of Sapphire Coast and Tura Beach Drives.

"The total retail floor space is capped at 5000 square metres with no individual retail store to exceed 3,200 square metres," he said.

With regard to the Minister’s decision on the Merimbula cap, Cr Allen said this meant there was no outright limitation on the size of any development application and that any DA should be treated on its merits.

"The Minister’s decision was made following meetings with myself and senior staff, written submissions and advice from independent consultants," he said.

"We have to abide by that decision; there is no avenue for appeal or to have him reconsider his position," Cr Allen said.