Developers field concerns for new complex

Developers say they have listened to residents concerned about plans for a retail and residential development at the corner of Sandridge and Picton roads in Bunbury.

Bunbury City Council received nearly 50 objections to a scheme amendment at the site, which is expected to be approved next week.

The amendment would allow for landowners Hornell Nominees – a company directed by Geoff Prosser – to build an “activity centre” which includes retail and residential components.

Most objections to the development came from residents around Sandridge Park whose main concerns included increased traffic, amenity of the existing residential area and rezoning to commercial in a residential area.

Mr Prosser said the company had made some amendments to its plans after receiving feedback from residents.

“Obviously we want to do a development that the residents will be pleased with – it’s in our best interest to do that,” he said.

He said plans for three-storey townhouses had been extended along the entire length of Duncan Way to visually screen the back of retail buildings to existing residents.

The development includes about 2000sq m of retail floor space and several townhouses with under-croft car parking.

The developers and council are yet to agree on several details of the plans including the depth of the setback for the townhouses and access or egress via Picton Road to the centre.