Bayswater Residents Continue Opposition to $2.5 Million 24-Hour Petrol Station Proposal
The Metro Inner Development Assessment panel has once again deferred a decision on a contentious $2.5 million application for a 24-hour petrol station, convenience store, and fast-food outlet at 321 Guildford Road in Bayswater. This marks the second deferral, with the panel granting an additional 180 days for the applicant, OTR, to submit further documents addressing key concerns.
Strong Local and Official Resistance to the Development
The proposal has faced significant opposition, with the City of Bayswater, Main Roads WA, and local residents all recommending refusal. At a recent panel meeting, Bayswater councillor Michelle Sutherland moved to reject the application, seconded by Cr Calla Loiacono, but the motion was narrowly defeated in a 2-3 vote. Over 100 community objections have been lodged, citing issues such as traffic safety, environmental impacts, and the close proximity to residential homes.
Health and Safety Concerns at the Forefront
A major point of contention is the project's compliance with health guidelines. The Department of Health's Position Statement recommends a minimum 200-meter separation distance for 24-hour service stations to mitigate benzene exposure risks. However, this proposal places residential dwellings within 50 meters of key operational areas like venting points and refuelling stations, falling significantly short of the advised threshold. Main Roads WA has also called for a full redesign of the internal layout to address traffic access concerns via Guildford Road and Kenilworth Street.
Background and Previous Precedents
The 2805-square-meter site, currently occupied by a disused service station and an old dwelling slated for demolition, is at the center of the multi-million dollar project. This is not the first time OTR has faced hurdles with such developments; a similar proposal in North Perth was initially rejected by the City of Vincent and state planners but later overturned by the State Administrative Tribunal. Residents in Bayswater must now wait until September 27 for a final resolution, as the deferral extends the uncertainty surrounding the project.
