The Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) has approved a major expansion of homemakers shopping centre, Caringbah Home.
Sutherland Shire’s largest bulky goods retail centre includes stores such as Harvey Norman, Freedom, Fantastic Furniture and JB Hi-Fi.
Approval was given for an extra floor, taking it to three levels, and expansion outwards to the corner of Willarong Road and Koonya Circuit, taking in two acquired properties, which are at present occupied by a swim school and furniture store.
The Leader reported the expected approval of the project in September.
A subsequent public meeting the JRPP called to hear any concerns lasted just 11 minutes.
In its written decision, the panel gave three reasons for approving the project.
”The proposal is consistent with the desired future character of the area,” the statement said.
“The proposal improves the existing access arrangements to the site.
“The proposal complies with all planning controls except the height control.
“The variation of height has been justified by a submission…mainly on the grounds that the additional height is confined to the centre of the building where it has minimum impact.”
Three conditions recommended in Sutherland Shire Council’s assessment, relating to dust control and other construction matters, were imposed.
The DA said the centre was constructed more than 17 years ago and needed revitalisation and expansion to ensure it remained competitive, viable and attractive.
Expansion would allow the centre to offer a greater variety of stores for customer convenience, the DA said.
Retail property investment company, BB Retail Capital, acquired the centre in 2011.
The company operates 12 bulky goods retail outlets in five states.
