A controversial service station which was strongly opposed by the Yandina community has been rejected by Sunshine Coast Council.
Developer Pearl Energy had sought to build the service station and shop on the corner of Stevens and Farrell streets in the heart of Yandina.
The proposal caused outcry from passionate Yandina community groups and organisations who feared the character and historical feel of the town would be compromised.
There were more than 200 written submissions in objection to the proposal and Nicklin MP Robert Skelton also did not support it.
Sunshine Coast Council refused the proposal late last week and listed the following reasons as to why.
The council said the proposal did not keep with the town’s streetscape character or heritage values and detracted from nearby buildings and amenities.
“It does not follow the pattern of existing development in the Yandina local centre with buildings located towards the street,” council’s decision notice read.
“It does not contribute to vibrant and active streets and would not maintain a human scale at street level.
“It would create a risk of pedestrian and vehicle conflict due to the width of the access crossovers and the traffic volumes anticipated to traverse these crossovers.”
The council also deemed the development did not allow for safe and convenient access for fuel tankers.
There were several other issues listed in the council’s decision notice.
Yandina Chamber of Commerce president John O’Leary had previously told the Daily the service station at the proposed site would not reflect the “unique, quirky, village atmosphere” that Yandina had built itself on.
His views were backed up by Yandina and District Community Association president Nigel Anns who said it was wrong to build a service station in the centre of town.
Pearl Energy has the option to appeal council’s decision.
In April, a Pearl Energy spokesman argued the design of the service station and shop recognised Yandina’s history.
“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.
Extracted from Sunshine Daily Coast