Residents are preparing for a second battle against a proposal to build a service station and accompanying “food and drink” premises in Woodend.
A planning permit application for a service station at 59a High Street, Woodend, including the new proposal of an accompanying food and drink premises, has been lodged with Macedon Ranges council.
Residents have begun a social media campaign amid fears the “food and drink” premises will be a fast food chain, claiming it would be “out of character” for Woodend.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary and Woodend resident Christine Pruneau told Star Weekly that feedback she had had from the community was against the addition of a “convenience restaurant”.
“It has a suburban stigma,” Ms Pruneau said. “People aren’t supportive of the chain thing out here.”
She said it would disadvantage local businesses and didn’t align with the rural feel.
It is the second time in two years that residents have rallied against plans for a service station at the Woodend site.
Ms Pruneau said residents had previously been worried about the traffic a service station would generate at Woodend’s already congested access point and pedestrian safety.
In May 2015, councillors rejected a proposal for a service station against officers’ advice.
The 2015 applicant – food and petrol giant Coles Express – took the decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which resolved to support the council’s decision to reject the plans.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary and Woodend resident Christine Pruneau told Star Weekly The council has not advised when the new application will be addressed.
