Despite significant safety concerns and objections from local residents, a proposed $2.1m BP service station and convenience store near a primary school in Melbourne’s hills is set to be approved by Yarra Ranges Council. The station would be built at the former site of Mt Evelyn Garden and Produce store on Monbulk Rd, Mt Evelyn, not far from Mt Evelyn Primary School.
The council officers admit that the area is “not safe” during peak school hours due to cars reversing into and out of Monbulk Rd, u-turning, and driving along pedestrian access ways. However, they recommend granting a permit for the service station based on safety measures requested by the Department of Transport, including slip lanes and turning lanes on Monbulk Rd.
A condition would also be imposed to build a raised and coloured 2.5m footpath next to the service station to ensure the safety of pedestrians. While the proposed changes may increase drop-off times and force parents to park further away from the school, officers believe that pedestrian safety, and particularly the safety of schoolchildren, should be the primary focus.
The service station plans also include a car wash and room for truck parking, and the applicants, Peregrine Corporation, say that the proposed development will be of net community benefit since the area is significantly undersupplied with service stations.