The original plan, which came after councillors last year approved the sale of residential land on Bromley Road despite strong community opposition, had included a car wash.
But it’s been ditched in a new plan that has received 31 objections, mainly around preserving the historical significance of the land, as well as impacts to traffic movements.
Planning consultant Roy Costa, who represents Subway’s franchise owner, said he was confident the latest proposal ticked all the boxes for planning requirements.
“We’ve designed the site to support and link with the surrounding parklands,” he said.
“There’ll be no detrimental impacts to traffic. This is a project that will create 15 to 20 jobs and boost the local economy.”
Swan Hill councillor Jade Benham backed the project this week, saying she was “all for growth and progress”.
“The main thing that stops progress and development is the community itself,” Cr Benham said.
“The caravan parks and other local accommodation places will be sold out over the summer holidays and the small mum-and-dad operators can’t be expected to work 24/7 to cater for the influx of tourists.
“Businesses like Subway can help absorb the extra demand and the extra jobs it provides in the town for young people is another welcome boost.
“The objections have been around the location of it, but my argument is that this site is not part of McGinty Park.
“There would be a higher cost to ratepayers to maintain the site and sit on it as it is now.”
