College Grove residents raise concerns over new developments

In December 2017, nearby homeowners were informed that 40 units would be built on a 2.2 hectare area of land close to the intersection of Somerville Drive and Bussell Highway. 

The developer, PM Team Australia Pty Ltd., held a community forum last year to discuss the new proposal. 

In 2015, a proposal to develop 30 units was scrapped due to community opposition.

The residents were concerned the developments would bring increased congestion to the intersection. 

They also noted the new developments could cause fire risk issues.

Homeowner and College Grove Action Group member Carly Stone said the residents had fought and won to retain low density zoning of R15-20, calling for a maximum of 16 units in the area. 

She said added units would deliver a sharp increase in vehicles. The group said a retirement village would be more suited to College Grove’s semi-rural set-up. 

Project manager Peter Greenland, representing PM Team Australia Pty Ltd., said another community consultation meeting will be on Thursday, April 12 at the Commercial Sport and Recreational Club at 6pm. 

He said the developer had planned for an upmarket development with 40 double storey townhouses, a tennis court, gym, barbecue facilities and gardens. 

City of Bunbury Acting Director Planning and Development Services Felicity Anderson said they, in partnership with the State Government, owned the land as part of the Amended College Grove Joint Venture.

“The developer has submitted a structure plan to the City and this will trigger the requirement for a formal submission process under the Planning & Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015,” she said. 

“Traffic impacts form part of the structure plan and will be referred to Main Roads Western Australia for assessment as part of the process. 

“The structure plan will be submitted to Council for consideration prior to being submitted to the Western Australian Planning Commission.”