A taller 14 metre pylon sign has been approved for the new retail development planned for the busy Warton Road and Ranford Road corner in Southern River, after the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) asked the City of Gosnells to reconsider its earlier decision.
The centre was first approved in July with shops, showrooms, two fast food outlets, a café and a service station, but councillors placed a condition limiting the height of the main sign to 8 metres. The applicant challenged that condition through the Tribunal, which invited the City to take another look.
City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the applicant provided extra material during the SAT process that helped clarify the impact of the sign.
“The applicant submitted additional visual perspectives to demonstrate the scale and context of the proposed sign. The applicant also provided a comparative review of other signage in surrounding areas, identifying several signs with similar heights and dimensions. This information helped to clarify the proposal’s visual impact and supported the revised position,” he said.
Mr Cowie said the decision did not set a precedent.
“The application was assessed on its individual merits, taking into account the specific context and outcomes sought for this location,” he said.
The City said the sign’s effect on nearby residents would be limited due to the setback from homes in Sanctuary Waters and Harrisdale. A lighting plan that complies with Australian Standards will also be required before any building permit is issued.
“The approval requires submission of a lighting plan that complies with Australian Standards for outdoor lighting. All lighting and illuminated signage must be installed according to this lighting plan,” Mr Cowie said.
Traffic pressures at the Warton and Ranford intersection formed part of the original debate when the development was considered earlier this year. The City confirmed the intersection is already operating near capacity.
As part of the reconsideration, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage recommended interim measures to keep the intersection functioning while long term upgrades progress. The approved design now includes a widened central crossover on Ranford Road, a new southern crossover, and the retention of the existing full movement access on Warton Road.
Council also requested that planning for the Ranford Road upgrade be prioritised. Mr Cowie said the City would raise this with the State Government once construction begins.
“It will also be requested that the left in access is provided as part of the initial stages of development,” he said.
Timeframes for construction are not yet known.
“The applicant and landowner have not provided indicative timeframes for the next phases of the project. As the site is privately owned, the timing of building permit applications and construction commencement will be determined at the landowner’s discretion,” Mr Cowie said.
