A PROPOSED petrol station on Angove Street in North Perth has been unanimously rejected by a state assessment panel.

All local council members and state government representatives on the JDAP unanimously voted down the plan by petrol company On The Run, heeding advice from Vincent council planning staff who warned of “adverse impact” on local amenity.

Many locals who joined the Stop the Station campaign opposed the plans due to unaddressed health concerns from petrol vapours and the impact the station would have on the Angove Street alfresco strip.

On The Run’s application had argued “the amenity of the area will be improved with the new development” compared to the current fenced off, empty site. The applicant said the convenience store would also be good for locals to walk in and pick up supplies.

But both planning rules around amenity and the weight of public opinion was stacked high against the proposal. 

The most recent version of the advertised plans attracted 245 submissions opposed and only one in favour.

Perth MP John Carey, also a former Vincent mayor, welcomed the DAP’s decision, telling us “it was a good result. During my time as mayor we spent a lot of time trying to drive renewal of town centres, and I think Angove Street is an incredible caf√© and retail strip.

“People love it, and I think everyone agrees that putting a petrol station and a convenience store there didn’t make any sense and didn’t reflect the aspirations of the community.

“I want to recognise and pay tribute to the locals who ran the campaign, they did a brilliant job,” he said.

“The key issue now is [for] the City of Vincent to continue to pursue its scheme amendment to prohibit petrol stations in any of its town centres.

“It’s just not compatible with want we want to see, which is vibrant shops, retail, cafes, and residences.”

Vincent council’s due to vote on that policy at the upcoming May meeting.

by DAVID BELL