To Whom it may concern,
My name is Nicole Baggott and I am writing to advise my opposition to the building of this Bunnings Warehouse in such close proximity to residential homes. Palmer Street is in a residential area, with a Community Health Centre on one corner of Cobra and Palmer Streets and a childcare centre on the other. Local school buses drop children off on Palmer Street. I would have no objections to a Bunnings Warehouse being built on the other side of the site with access via Hawthorn Street, but strongly object to such a major commercial/industrial amenity being built across the road from homes and facilities used by families and small children, especially children with a range of special needs.
I am aware that previous development applications for commercial/industrial premises for this site have not been approved, and wonder why approval would be considered now? This is a residential area and a Bunnings Warehouse would increase the road traffic, thereby increasing the danger to children in the area.
I have already been angered at the removal of most of the trees on the site, especially in the destruction of the habitats of a range of birds and wildlife. I live in Taylor Street and am now finding a number of bats electrocuted on the powerlines on our street, something which I have never noticed in the 4 years I have lived here. I am also aware of the increase in injured wildlife being found in The Good Guys/Spotlight car park - a direct result of the clearing of the trees in the former RAAF base site. Could you please advise details of any environmental impact study that may have been conducted that allowed such clearing? Such habitat loss would be further exacerbated with a massive building, car park and increased traffic. On the other hand, a residential area - with homes with gardens, green spaces and street trees would provide shelter and habitat for native birds and bats.
I am deeply disappointed that the current Mayor would put commercial interests above the health, safety and well-being of the community and hope that other Councillors and the Council would seriously reconsider this development application before them. Whatever the current zoning of the land in question, I would hope that the Council will consider the risks and potential harm to the residential neighbourhood that such a large commercial/industrial site such as Bunnings poses, if built near Palmer Street.
I thank you for your time and hope you will give due consideration to my objections concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Nicole Baggott
