Shops, townhouses plan for E Bunbury

A plan for a small shopping centre and townhouses on a block in East Bunbury has ruffled the feathers of nearby residents.

A subsidiary of Citygate Properties owns a 9615sq m block, on the corner of Sandridge and Picton roads, that has been earmarked for development for several years.

According to plans seen by the _Bunbury Herald _, the supermarket and retail centre would be built as well as six double-storey apartments and a big carpark.

The plans show there would be three vehicle access points and trucks would use Bunning Boulevard to make deliveries to the supermarket.

Residents in the area have been visited by Citygate representatives and given a copy of the plan.

Freda Murphy declared there would be "traffic chaos" if the plans went ahead and hinted at starting a campaign to stop the development.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she was in favour of development but wanted it to fit in with the neighbourhood.

She was worried about the increase in traffic.

"It's been a residential area for so many years, why do they want to spoil it," she said.

Joe Spina, who lives on Bunning Boulevard, said he wanted houses built on the block.

"The document (outlining the plans) is very ambiguous," he said.

"We would like to see what they are really proposing."

However, resident Len Munnings said he could not see what the fuss was about, saying he "can't wait" for the development.

"It is an eyesore now and I can't see what anyone has to complain about," he said.

At a meeting in March last year, Bunbury City Council gave in-principle approval to rezone the land to allow for commercial developments but this is still subject to final approval.

Paul Kotsoglo, who was representing Citygate, told councillors at the meeting the company would consult residents as part of the rezoning process.

"It is an eyesore now and I can't see what anyone has to complain about" - Len Munnings