By Justin Flynn
Plans for a 24-hour service station and two fast-food restaurants in Grovedale is before the City of Greater Geelong’s planning application process.
The proposal, at 294-296 Torquay Rd, is for a 24-hour service station and Pizza Hut and Oporto restaurants.
The report said the Pizza Hut would be open from 6am to 11pm daily and Oporto 5am to 11pm.
The planning report said the combined site has a frontage to Torquay Road of approximately 56.71 metres and a varying depth of 60.08 metres to the north and 59.21 metres to the south, providing the site with an approximate area of 3,399 square metres.
The properties were previously occupied by dwellings and some scattered vegetation, however the sites have both been cleared of any development and vegetation, the report said.
The report states that the “massing and proportions of the building are modest”.
“The building is single story, the facade incorporates articulation and has design features which provide for visual interest,” it said.
“Building materials, patterns, textures and colours are also considered to be appropriate.”
Noise generated by the uses and associated traffic will not be excessive and be protected via the proposed mitigation measures which include screening to plant, and acoustic fencing, the report said.
“External lighting will be suitably baffled to avoid unnecessary light spill to adjoining sensitive land uses,” it said.
Concerned residents are opposing the development, citing several reasons in an online petition, including an increase in traffic in an already condensed area, noise pollution, increased litter and rubbish and several similar businesses already in place.
Colin Sharp started the petition and has urged concerned residents to object to the planning permit, sign the petition, talk to local councillors Bruce Harwood, Belinda Moloney and Ron Nelson and talk to MLA Darren Cheeseman for South Barwon and Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker.