Petrol station and fast-food outlets proposed for site off Mitchell Highway, Bathurst

Beefing up its take-out stocks, Bathurst could soon be the home of four Subways, three McDonald's and three 7-Elevens.

A development application (DA) has been lodged for a new service station with convenience store and accompanying fast-food outlets at 98 Corporation Avenue, a site on the corner of Bradwardine Road and the Mitchell Highway, which will be on the entry to Bathurst from Orange.

The $4.5 million development names 7-Eleven, McDonald's and Subway as the three major tenants, and includes space for an additional fast-food retailer.

The development would replace the existing car dealership on the site.

A Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) submitted with the DA notes how valuable the proposal would be for the surrounding residential areas.

"The proposed service station and three food and drink premises will provide a valuable service and facility within a highly accessible and convenient location in Robin Hill and aims to provide for the day to day convenience and refuelling needs of the local community," it said.

"... given the merit of the design and the absence of any significant adverse environmental impacts or planning issues, the DA is considered to be in the public's interest and worthy of council's support."

The SoEE notes that a pre-development meeting was held with Bathurst Regional Council in October, 2020 to discuss the proposal.

One of the issues council raised in this meeting was vehicles turning right into the site from Bradwardine Road.

"The applicant has addressed council's concern and the proposal has been updated with access to Bradwardine Road now a left turn exit only," the SoEE said.

The site also proposes a left turn entry from the Mitchell Highway to the north of the site via a left turn only deceleration lane, and a combined ingress/egress driveway on Corporation Avenue.

Plans include parking for 56 vehicles, which is one space below the requirements in Bathurst's development control plan (DCP).

"When taking into account shared trips between the different components of the development it is considered the 56 spaces provided satisfies the requirements and ensures ample parking on site and no impact on the classified road Mitchel Highway as a result of queuing or congestion," the SoEE said.

"[This is] in addition to three waiting bays associated with the drive-thrus and parking associated with the fuel bowsers that have not been included in parking calculations."

The service station and all food and drink tenancies are proposed to be 24/7 operations.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: