Speedway, a well-known independent service station chain, recently proposed to open a new location in Belrose. However, the Northern Beaches Council recommended that planning authorities reject the plan.
Before the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel could make a final decision, Speedway Pty Ltd decided to withdraw its application. The company, which operates over 40 outlets across New South Wales and Victoria, had initially submitted a proposal in May to install four petrol pumps and two underground fuel tanks at the site. This location, currently home to Belrose Service Centre, once sold petrol until the pumps were decommissioned in 2013.
In addition to reinstating fuel services, Speedway aimed to expand the site by adding an automatic car wash. Currently, cars can only be washed manually at the centre.
Despite the proposal, the council advised the planning panel—now the consent authority due to more than 10 public objections—to reject the service station bid. In its assessment, the council stated that the extent of Speedway’s proposed changes was too different from the original approval for the site.
The council clarified that if Speedway wished to proceed, they would need to submit a completely new development application. The report emphasised, “A modification application is not the correct approach for the changes being sought. A new development application is necessary.”
The proposed site is located approximately 100 meters from Belrose Public School, a factor that heightened local concerns. Residents submitted 11 objections, citing worries about petrol fumes, air quality, noise, and increased traffic.
One resident, Jon O’Loughlin, argued that “the community does not need four new fuel pumps in the area, especially since there has been no increase in housing or population.” Another, Dr. John Cao, expressed concerns about traffic safety, particularly for children in the school zone, and noted that there are already two service stations within 1km and five others within a 5km radius.
In their final report, the council noted that Speedway had failed to provide enough information regarding potential impacts on traffic, water management, air quality, and odour control. The report concluded, “There is insufficient evidence to confirm that the site is suitable for the proposed development.”
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