The developer behind a controversial service station in the heart of Yandina says the town’s history and architecture will be recognised in its design.
The service station, planned for the corner of Stevens and Farrell streets, has been the subject of objection from Yandina community and business groups.
One issue raised by the community was that a service station did not suit the character and heritage feel of that particular site.
A spokesman of developer Pearl Energy said the design of the service station and shop recognised the history of the Sunshine Coast’s oldest town.
“This has resulted in a built form that will be unique for a service station and will provide the town with a facility that reflects Yandina’s history and architecture,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the company was in the process of responding to a number of issues raised by Sunshine Coast Council.
“We will be happy to discuss further as the application progresses,” he said.
Yandina Chamber of Commerce president John O’Leary and Yandina District Community Association president Nigel Anns outside of a vacant block of land where a service station development is proposed.
The Pearl Energy spokesman said Yandina was selected as a potential site as there was an existing development application for a service station on the land, which is zoned by the council for a service station use.
Code assessable plans were lodged with council in January for a service station and shop outlet with 11 carparking spaces on the 1966sq m site.
Pearl Energy also has a service station under construction at Maleny and one proposed for Beerwah.
The spokesman said opening service stations in regional areas created job employment opportunities for the community and provided trade and retail services.
Yandina Chamber of Commerce president John O’Leary told theSunshine Coast Daily in February that a service station did not match the “quirky, village” atmosphere that Yandina was renowned for.
Artist impressions of a service station proposal for Yandina which was submitted to Sunshine Coast Council in January by Innovative Planning Solutions on behalf of Pearl Energy.
Yandina and District Community Association president Nigel Anns also argued at the time that a service station would detract from those old buildings which neighbour the site.
According to the association, there have been 200 written submissions to council against the service station.
Mr O’Leary and Mr Anns said Yandina does need a second service station but not at the corner site.
Pearl Energy were asked whether the company would consider developing a service station at a different site in Yandina however no response was given.
Extracted from The Chronicle