WOOLWORTHS is considering whether to appeal after its bid to build a new supermarket at Kirrawee, across the road from the brick pit development, was rejected.
The Joint Regional Planning Panel said the development application for the Flora Street site had "significant shortcomings".
Woolworths bought options on six properties, occupied by old factories and workshops, for its intended $24.4 million project.
"We are considering our options," a Woolworths spokeswoman said.
"However, we remain committed to customers in the shire and are excited to be opening our new Miranda supermarket in the coming weeks, providing great fresh Australian produce and grocery items at everyday low prices."
The company has 12 months in which to lodge an application with the council, seeking a review of the decision, or appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Woolworths sought to open in Kirrawee ahead of rival Coles, which will be the principal tenant in the retail component of the $350 million brick pit project, which is set for completion mid-2017.
The panel provided a range of reasons for rejecting the Woolworths application.
"In particular, this report concludes that the form of the proposed building will detract significantly from the desired future character of the Kirrawee centre and that the traffic and economic implications of the proposal are unacceptable when considered in conjunction with the approved redevelopment of the adjacent Kirrawee brick pit site," the panel said.
PANEL RULING:
The Woolworths proposal, coupled with the brick pit development, would ‘‘result in a cumulative impact on nearby centres, which is unacceptable to council,’’ the panel’s report said.
‘‘The proposal will significantly reduce the potential for Sutherland, Kareela, Jannali and Gymea to attract major retailing opportunities in the medium to long term, which will disrupt the shire’s centres hierarchy greatly.’’
Should Woolworths appeal the panel's decision, or do you think the development proposal is misguided?
