Plan all washed up

By Melissa Meehan
PLANS to build a 24-hour carwash along the Princes Highway have been quashed, with councillors voting to refuse a permit on Monday night.
Despite planning officers recommending that the permit application be granted, councillor Collin Ross moved an alternative motion of refusal.
He said the site was inappropriately located and did not fit into the surrounding neighbourhood, as well as causing detrimental impacts to surrounding residents.
Councillor Brett Owen said the application had some “real issues”.
“There is a lack of car parking, which means we could see more parking along the service lane,” Cr Owen said.
“I also have an issue with traffic circulation.”
The refusal will be positively accepted by neighbouring homes and schools in the area who already voiced their concerns earlier this year.
But neighbouring property owners and other nearby residents say they will do all in their power to ensure it does not go up.
“We’ve got three schools and two childcare centres in the area – it could be disastrous,” neighbour Jack Nicholson said.
His sentiment was echoed by St Patrick’s Primary principal Mick O’Brien.
“I understand the Princes Highway is zoned commercial,” Mr O’Brien said.
“So I am aware than any building built on the land will be commercial.
“However, between school drop-off and pick-up times it’s hell out there.”
Mr O’Brien said students from all three schools as well as those at the childcare used the footpath along the highway as a means of getting to and from school.
“I’m worried about the junction between the highway, the service lane and O’Shannessy Street,” he said.
“It’s already a nightmare – it would just bring more chaos and mayhem to the area.”