NSW court to decide fate of Woolworths’ plan to set up shop in Mosman

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Woolworths’ head of property Andrew Loveday said in a statement on Thursday the company had been disappointed by the four-member panel’s unanimous decision to reject the plan.

“We’ve put forward a proposal that is consistent with the planning framework, reflected in Mosman Council’s recommendation to approve the project.

“After a careful review of the panel’s reasons, we have now started the process to appeal the decision through the Land and Environment Court.

“This is an important opportunity for a full review of our proposed small-scale, Metro store, which we believe will make a positive contribution to the area.”

The council has been contacted for comment.

Mosman mayor Carolyn Corrigan last month said the community was “very relieved” by the refusal of the proposal, which followed a year-long campaign, but she would “fully expect the decision to be challenged”.

The panel found the proposal was “contrary to the public interest” in its refusal, citing a lack of parking, the potential for “traffic conflicts” and more than 500 public submissions – the vast bulk of which were negative.

The decision said the development was at odds with local planning rules aimed at limiting potential for extra traffic and ensuring the community’s needs were recognised in any changes to the urban environment.

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“The application fails to provide adequate car parking for the retail customers, staff and service vehicles.

“Access to and from the car park from Lennon Lane is inadequate and will create traffic conflicts for users of the car park, including delivery vehicles.”

Changes to the lane behind the Mosman Club would “result in traffic congestion and queuing”, while the entry and exit from the car park and lane posed “adverse outcomes” for pedestrian safety.

“The proposed development is contrary to the public interest having regard to the above reasons for refusal and the overwhelming number of submissions from the public opposing the application.”