A new supermarket will be built in Yarragon.

Baw Baw Shire issued a notice of decision to grant a permit for the supermarket at 87 Princes Hwy.

The façade of the supermarket will complement the existing village style streetscape of Yarragon.  Car park access will be from Hanns Lane.

The planning permit application presented to council said the owners of the existing supermarket in Campbell St wanted to develop a new supermarket and liquor outlet to increase the commercial floor area and improve car parking.

Council approved a reduction of 12 car parking spaces, with 21 car parking spaces to be provided at the back of the site.

The site is located west of Murray St.  A weatherboard house on the site will be demolished.

The building design was amended to include more muted external colours to ensure the building complemented the existing streetscape.

Permit conditions require Hanns Lane to be sealed from the western boundary of the site to Murray St.

Seven objectors raised concerns about increased traffic in Hanns Lane, lack of security and inappropriate location.

Objectors asked for speed humps to be installed in Hanns Lane, the entire length of Hanns Lane to be sealed and suggested the car park should be at the front of the building.

Planners said in accordance with the commercial zone, a permit was not required to use the land for a supermarket.  However, a permit was required for the building.

Objectors Bortolo and Angela Malacarne said they did not want the supermarket built next to their home.

They said they often used Hanns Lane to exit their property because the Princes Hwy service road was busy with traffic and pedestrians.

They also raised concerns about a concrete wall on their east boundary restricting light into their home and a retaining wall at the back creating a security risk.

The Malacarnes said they were worried cold rooms on the east side of the supermarket would run 24 hours a day, creating noise issues.

Cr Peter Kostos said Yarragon was growing fast and more development was planned with another 300 houses.  He said many people would want to shop locally.

He said the owner advised the current supermarket was too small and not fit for purpose.

Cr Darren Wallace said it was an example of the applicant working with the community to get the best outcome.

“Being a tourist town, the supermarket needed a special façade and that has been achieved.

Cr Michael Leaney said Yarragon was changing and council needed to recognise that.

“The developers here have ensured the streetscape is maintained,” he said.

Cr Jazmin Tauru said while she heard the objectors’ concerns, in a growing community people had to understand that things will change “and we have to adapt to those changes”.

Cr Annemarie McCabe spoke against the development.

She said she commended Foodworks for identifying the need to expand but she was not convinced the site provided sufficient parking for staff and customers without impacting on existing businesses.

“I am very supportive of retail growth but this proposal misses the mark,” she said.