Thirty-six of the 43 submissions opposed the proposal for 44 High St, the former site of McSwains Joinery before it was devastated by the October 2022 floods.
Of the concerns raised by local objectors, traffic management appears to be chief, with nearby resident Peter Malane saying the nature of the current proposal, to be situated on the corner of Wallis and High streets and backing on to Butler St, would lead to increased traffic blockages.
“It is an anomaly that there are two residential entry points on the roundabout, even more so that one is entry-only and the other is entry/exit,” he said.
“It will take at least three minutes to order and make a coffee. If there are more than 20 cars an hour, or the 53 the applicant expects, my maths is that there will be a blockage of traffic that would cumulatively become worse, and it wouldn’t be too long until the High St roundabout is blocked.”
Mitchell Shire Council has confirmed objecting submitters also opposed the proposed change of use for the site, potential increase in noise and the impact on the existing truck route, as well as the fact the application was lodged by a current councillor.
In 2023, the site was acquired by Happy Valley Pty Ltd, an entity associated with Cr Ned Jeffery, and in May last year it was approved by council for office use.
Mr Jeffery said he purchased the block before he became a councillor because he wanted to change the “very substandard” entrance into Seymour.
Initially, Mr Jeffery was set to develop the site into a storage facility for local tradespeople, however the length of time it took to get a planning permit application through council was too long of a wait for those involved.
Then, after speaking with a local cafe that currently exists in town, he decided to propose a drive-through coffee shop in conjunction with the existing business.
“I’m trying to build the best result for the community. The options for a block of this difficulty are extremely narrow,“ he said.
Anna Pinnuck, who lives on Butler St, said she was concerned, if the proposal were successful, about the preservation of her street’s heritage character.
“This is a lovely street with a heritage overlay,” she said.
“All those cars must exit on to Butler St. Many will not be able to turn back into Wallis St, it’s already hard. Cars will go up to Crawford St and block that intersection, too – that’s a very busy school zone.
“It amazes me that it is a councillor of the shire putting this proposal forward.”
Mr Jeffery said his intention was to invest in Seymour and he was keen to work with the town to decide how best to develop the block, but had not received much input from nearby residents.
“The current council, of which I’m part of, are absolutely driven to support local business and this proposal is just 100 per cent about encouraging investment in the town,” he said.
He said not one complainant had rung him directly about the proposal.
He added that any resident was welcome to contact him with ideas on amending the proposal.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the proposal would be discussed at a future community questions and hearings meeting, with submitters to be notified of the date.
“The application is still under assessment and no decision has been made,” he said.
While the application is yet to go to a vote, High St resident Kyria Crombie said she was still concerned about the potential dangers of the development.
“I’m elderly and rely on my mobility scooter. I regularly use the footpath where the entry point is, and then go on to cross Butler St. I’m not the only one,” she said.
“Having nearly a car a minute coming off the roundabout into that entrance does not feel safe.”
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