A CONTROVERSIAL new Subway drive-through has been given the green light by Mildura councillors, following an unexpected vote at Wednesday’s meeting.
The planning application was lodged last November which proposed the development of a drive-through at the Deakin Avenue store, along with closing vehicle exit on to Fourteenth Street.
The council’s recommendation to refuse the proposal on the grounds of safety, increased traffic and taking away sufficient car parking for neighbouring businesses Pinno’s Pizza and Coral Sea Fish and Chips divided councillors.
Councillor Jason Modica, who spoke in favour of refusing the application, highlighted the safety concerns given the proximity of Mildura Senior College and Chaffey Secondary College.
“I’m quite uncomfortable in many ways, particularly with safety for the schools on either side and the developing traffic on Deakin Avenue,” he said.
“There could be up to 1800 school students walking back and forward. I think this is a really important time to consider our procedures again — this doesn’t add up.”
Councillor Gavin Sedgmen agreed with Cr Modica and said he was concerned no consideration was given to pedestrian traffic.
“I found it quite disturbing that the consultancy was done around traffic and there was no consideration of anything that was presented to us on the pedestrian traffic. It’s all about cars and roads,” he said.
“It is a problematic corner at the best of times without adding extra traffic in and out.”
The proposal received 19, with unanimous concern over altering one-way traffic access entering and exiting the complex.
But councillor Min Poole thought the drive-through development would improve safety in the area.
“I believe that driving through the area will reduce parking requirements and also time,” she said.
“Sealing the carpark at the rear will be beneficial, and the safety will improve. The exit to Fourteenth Street will be stopped, reducing congestion and improving safety on that corner.”
The positives outweighed the negatives according to councillor Glenn Milne.
“Young people are smart enough to look when crossing driveways and I think our drivers are smart enough to take care,” he said.
“This is also really going to tidy up and freshen up the building on the corner by putting a decent carpark in there, modernising the whole thing and bringing that corner up to a higher standard.”
The recommendation was eventually lost 5-4 following the debate, with Cr Milne initiating a new motion that council approve the application subject to appropriate conditions.
Mildura planning consultant Roy Costa, who represented Subway, said works would start immediately pending the council’s notice of decision.
“Subway is very happy with the decision. They were happy that the councillors voted for it and accepted all the documentation submitted,” he said.
“Concerns were raised about safety and traffic, but an audit was conducted and we had professional consultants do that report which satisfied VicRoads.
“If there are no appeals lodged with VCAT and once we get the planning permit, Subway are looking at commencing the works immediately.”
