The State Government has knocked back plans from the WA Planning Commission to widen Guildford Road, but residents remain cautious the move could lead to 'policy paralysis'.
The proposal was widely criticised by local residents and businesses, with Maylands Vet, Rifos cafe and restaurant Amore Mio all negatively impacted by the planned extension.
Residents would also lose land, property value, their driveways and front yards, and the Bayswater Council refused to support the proposal due to the Western Australian Planning Commission's inability to disclose what would happen to the buildings affected by the proposed extension.
Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti said the Labor Government would honour its election commitment not to proceed with the plans, but they needed to wait until the WAPC completed its formal recommendation before they could call time on the proposal.
"We have made a clear election commitment on this and I intend to deliver on that," she said.
"I have received legal advice that states we must allow the current process to run its course, but I have asked that this be done as quickly as possible.
"I would like to end the uncertainty for landowners as soon as possible."
But some residents believe simply knocking back the amendment won't be enough.
Maylands Residents and Ratepayers Association president Elli Petersen-Pik said while it was reassuring the Minister had listened to the community's concerns, the fight wasn't over.
"The Amendment would have led to the demolition of rows of historic shopfronts, had a long-lasting, chilling effect on the confidence of businesses along the Road, turned Guildford Road into a wide highway and made pedestrian safety even worse," he said.
"The Minister is right to reject the current MRS Amendment as it stands... [but] without strong direction from the Minister, there will be long term uncertainty over future plans for the road.
"We don't want policy paralysis for another decade. There are various aesthetic, useability and safety issues along the road, and Main Roads might continue to use the lack of an agreed plan as an excuse for doing nothing."
A WAPC spokeswoman said the commission was attempting to finish up their formal recommendation as soon as possible.
"The WAPC is obliged under the Planning and Development Act (2005) to undertake all steps necessary to provide a formal recommendation to the Minister for Planning. The public comment period has now closed and submitters have been invited to make deputations to the WAPC, before a recommendation is made to the Minister for a final decision. All comments will be taken into consideration through this process."
