Supermarket gets green light

A council decision regarding the much-debated development application for a supermarket at Harold Park has finally been reached.

The City of Sydney felt it had done all it could to gain reassurance for the community and therefore approved the Mirvac plans on Monday.

The decision came after a one week delay to allow councillors further time to consider the application. However, on Monday night it was approved despite community angst.

Concern from residents has been raised in reference to various factors of the proposed plan, particularly the use of access roads.

“The proposed road would intersect a well-loved walking, jogging and bike trail which is the main connection between Annandale and Forest Lodge to the Glebe Parklands,” said Andrew Rolfe of the Forest Lodge, Annandale and Glebe (FLAG) community group.

“The trail will also be a major thoroughfare for the 3000 new residents moving into the Harold Park apartments. Consequently, the residents’ main concern includes how retail traffic on the access road will be appropriately managed in a safe manner for the trail users.”

Council has confirmed that all retail vehicles will use the new two way ‘link road’ which will be constructed through the Harold Park development site.

Despite council’s efforts to minimise the traffic on Chapman Road, members of FLAG Harold Park are still concerned there will not be sufficient barriers to close off the road to general traffic.

Further issues the community have raised include the proposed supermarket hours and floor space, the impact on parking for local residents, and the size of the community space.

Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis acknowledged with regret that council’s powers only extend so far.

“We are limited in the action we can take and feel that we have done everything in our power to help,” she said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore reiterated that council had done everything in its power to deliver a positive outcome.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, but we worked very hard to get this for you,” she told the public gallery.

The motion was put to the table and carried with a cry of “shame” from the gallery.

Cries of “you’re working for Mirvac” and “Clover’s not getting my vote” could be heard as community members left the council chambers.

“I don’t think I want your vote,” the Lord Mayor retorted.