$9 Million Pinjarra Development Paused Amid Traffic and Planning Disputes
A significant $9 million commercial development proposal for Pinjarra, which includes a McDonald's drive-through restaurant and an Aldi supermarket, has been temporarily halted. The Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel unanimously voted to defer a decision on the project for up to 120 days, primarily citing unresolved traffic concerns and planning inconsistencies.
Development Details and Historical Context
The proposed development is planned for a 10,029 square metre site on the southern side of Pinjarra Road, situated between George and Murray streets. Currently, the land is largely vacant, with only an unused State heritage-listed Masonic hall occupying part of the area. The Aldi component would encompass 1,100 square metres, including a 55 square metre liquor store, while the McDonald's would feature a drive-through facility and indoor seating for 46 patrons.
This site has a history of development attempts. In 2015, the Shire of Murray approved a commercial plan for four buildings, but no action was taken. Subsequently, a 2017 application for a drive-through liquor store was rejected. Under the shire's precinct structure plan, drive-through facilities are prohibited in the Pinjarra town centre, although this restriction is not explicitly stated in the formal planning scheme.
Traffic and Planning Concerns Take Centre Stage
Key issues driving the deferral include substantial traffic-related apprehensions. Main Roads WA expressed worries about the development's access points onto George Street and Pinjarra Road, advocating for a left-turn-only exit on George Street to mitigate congestion. A report presented to the DAP highlighted that the McDonald's alone is projected to generate nearly 1,700 vehicle movements daily. The report argued that the drive-through's car-oriented nature conflicts with the shire's urban planning goals for the town centre location.
Panel members voiced mixed opinions during discussions. Presiding member Karen Hyde suggested further analysis before eliminating the drive-through, noting that drive-throughs are not essential for takeaway food outlets and citing existing McDonald's locations in Western Australia without such facilities. Conversely, Shire of Murray president and panel member Douglas McLarty raised serious concerns about the proposal's compatibility with heavy haulage traffic on George Street, which sees over 800 large vehicles daily, alongside school and bus traffic.
Community Support and Developer Perspectives
Despite the hurdles, the proposal has garnered considerable community backing. During the public comment period, 364 submissions were received, with 330 supporting the Aldi and 272 in favour of the McDonald's. Supporters highlighted the potential for economic activation, with landowner James McClements asserting that the development would provide essential anchors and investment to revitalise the Pinjarra Junction shopping centre and broader town centre.
Representatives from Planning Solutions, the firm behind the application, contended that the planning scheme should take precedence over local policies when discrepancies arise. They emphasised the project's bespoke design, which they believe aligns with local planning objectives. Panel deputy presiding member Clayton Higham even praised the proposal as one of the best McDonald's arrangements he has seen for a main street setting.
Path Forward and Resolution Efforts
The deferral allows time for additional detailed analysis on traffic impacts and pedestrian amenity. Shire of Murray councillor and panel member Ange Roberts acknowledged the shire's desire to see the site developed but stressed that traffic issues must be adequately addressed first. The panel's decision to retain the drive-through provisionally, by a 3-2 vote, indicates a willingness to consider modifications rather than outright rejection.
As the 120-day review period progresses, stakeholders will need to collaborate on solutions that balance community demand for new retail options with stringent planning and safety standards. The outcome will significantly influence Pinjarra's commercial landscape and set a precedent for future developments in the region.
