Perth Voice Interactive

Bunnings has been granted retrospective approval for its Inglewood garden centre.

The hardware giant has operated a garden centre without planning permission since 1994, infuriating locals who’ve long complained about traffic problems.

Insufficient parking at the store, at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Beaufort Street, means customers frequently clog surrounding streets.

Stirling city council initially rejected Bunnings’ planning application, but it appealed to the State Administrative Tribunal which mediated a compromise.

It includes a fleet of conditions including restrictions on loading times.

Cr Terry Tyzack, who attended the SAT mediation, said it was a good outcome for nearby residents.

“Now trucks can only leave the site via Beaufort Street and unloading is not permitted in the car park, improving traffic flow,” Cr Tyzack told the Voice.

“We also stipulated landscaping along the Eighth Avenue, and made it harder for trucks to enter via the avenues.”

The Wesfarmers-owned hardware giant had originally proposed adding 10 car bays and a specific delivery area for trucks, if it was allowed to keep the garden centre.

In February councillors voted unanimously to reject the application, citing increased traffic, public opposition and inconsistency with the city planning scheme.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK