Planners knock back controversial plan for new Bunnings store
Planning authorities decline a fiercely contested multimillion-dollar plan for Bunnings to build a new store 10km from its existing premises in Bunbury.
The WA Planning Commission has rejected Bunnings' plan to build a new store in Capel, WA. The application, which would have been located 10km from the existing store, was deemed a significant departure from the local structure plan by the commission. The decision was met with criticism from Bunbury's businesses and political leaders, who argued that the move would undermine the regional centre's viability and take up land intended for housing development.
The WA Planning Commission's chairperson, Emma Cole, described the application as one of the more challenging they had received, with many valid points raised. Despite Bunnings' arguments that the land was not suitable for housing and that the proposal would only result in short-term reduced sales for local retailers, the commission refused the development.
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