The service centre would have about 200 metre frontage to the highway along its southern boundary, just prior to 80kmh limits as west-bound traffic enters Horsham. Development of an auxiliary left-turning lane and channelised right-turn lane is included in the proposal.
The irregular-shaped parcel has an area of about 10 acres; the service centre would develop about four acres. Wastewater would be managed on-site.
“The subject site has been identified to address the lack of existing rest areas within the Horsham township that are not appropriate to service the needs of road users and the volume of traffic that travels through Horsham on the route to Melbourne, in particular large vehicles, for example, trucks that require large turning spaces,” the applicant’s town planning report reads.
“While it is acknowledged that there is existing commercial and industrial zoned land within the Horsham township that may be able to accommodate uses such as proposed in this application, existing sites on the northern side of Western Highway located on the exit from Horsham and on the route to Melbourne to the north-west of the subject site are already improved lots that are developed and utilised for a range of various existing uses.”
Horsham Rural City Council is calling for submissions from any person who might be affected by the granting of the permit.
The council’s director communities and place, Kevin O’Brien, said the application would follow a planning application process and was on notice, that being, public advertising; and referral to relevant authorities, which can include state authorities for fire, water, environment, transport or power.
“Council has not undertaken a planning assessment of the proposal at this stage,” he said.
“It will be considered following the notice and referral process and then considered against the provisions of the Horsham Planning Scheme.”
Mr O’Brien said the council would not make a decision about the application prior to August 16.
“Most assessments and decisions are made under delegation by our planning officers, but if there are a number of objections on the matter, it will be decided by council with a recommendation by the officer,” he said.
Mr O’Brien said the land was currently zoned farming and would not require a zoning review if the proposal progressed.
“An application can be made for a service station within many zones and this is common where there is good access to the transport network,” he said.
People can view the proposal via the council’s planning portal, hrcc.greenlightopm.com
The entire July 26, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire July 26, 2023 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
