A spokesperson for the company employed by Carlo Cavallaro to submit a development application for a new Walcha IGA on his behalf says he had no past knowledge of the underground fuel tanks located on the property.
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“Prior to preparing all of our documents and lodging the development application with Walcha Shire Council, we were unaware of the previous use of the site as a service station or the presence of fuel tanks,” said Jeremy Allen.
“We have employed a specialist in this field, EMP Engineering, Mining & Petroleum, to provide a thorough report and investigation of the tanks and to provide a recommendation to achieve a positive and favourable outcome, for both the development and to address public concerns.”
Mr Allen said EMP had conducted a site visit and soil testing on Thursday, March 16 and was awaiting the results.
At a public meeting to review the development application held on March 8 the lack of acknowledgement of the presence of fuel tanks and the associated Environmental Protection Authority requirements was raised along with a neighbour's concerns regarding noise pollution.
“Any noise emitting devices, such as refrigeration compressors must be installed in accordance with a relevant Australian Standard,” said Mr Allen.
“There is a maximum dB level which they must not exceed. This is to strictly protect any residential building, which may be adjacent to the development.
Another concern raised by some members of the community was the expansion of the supermarket to include a full onsite bakery and butchery and the subsequent effect on existing small businesses.
“The supermarket is proposed to have a full onsite butchery,” Mr Allen said “This is a quite common inclusion for supermarkets. A full bakery is not going to be part of the supermarket however, a part bakery is going to be included. This, generally is a glorified storage area and display area for bakery items which have been delivered to the supermarket.”
Mr Allen went on to say that upon determination of the development application, Walcha Shire Council would require additional information on the drawings for a construction certificate to be issued.
“Once all of the relevant information is approved, work on the site can be planned and commenced. We strongly envisage the supermarket will be open by Christmas 2019.”
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
