National hardware giant Bunnings will be able to construct a store on the Newell Highway after its development application was approved by Narrabri Shire Council on Tuesday afternoon.

The store, which will be smaller in size than larger outlets in Tamworth and other major centres, is estimated to employ 55 people in full-time, part-time and casual positions.

Many hope the arrival of the business to Narrabri will prompt other large retailers to set up shop in the town which is expecting a period of economic growth as a result of the Inland Rail and Santos gas developments.

Addressing Tuesday’s council meeting, Phillip Drew spoke on behalf of Bunnings and addressed its development application.

Mr Drew said Bunnings was excited to address the meeting and was happy with the conditions outlined in council’s development approval.

Mr Drew praised the support of council’s economic development manager Bill Birch and general manager Stewart Todd.

Councillor Cameron Staines moved that council grant consent for the development. The move was seconded by Cr Ron Campey.

Cr Staines said other areas where Bunnings had set-up stores on the outskirts of town had seen growth around the stores and developed a precinct, of sorts.

“I think this will be a great investment for the town going forward,” he said.

“It will bring other businesses to Narrabri, possibly the likes of Harvey Norman and Aldi.”

As part of the development approval, Bunnings will enter into a voluntary planning agreement to pay a contribution towards upgrades to the intersection of

Newell Highway and Saleyards Lane to accommodate an increase in traffic as a result of the store.

While the store will have prominent exposure with its frontage on the Newell Highway, access will predominantly take place from Saleyards Lane.

Access from Saleyards Lane will comprise of a left in only driveway for access to loading docks as well as a full movement driveway.

Caroline Way will be used as an access point to the loading dock with an egress driveway.

Documents tabled at the council meeting showed that of the 35 submissions, 32 were in support of the application and three were against.

In its responses to concerns, Bunnings addressed issues including not being necessary to a town of Narrabri’s size, that it would contribute to the loss of character to the town and that it would have an extensive impact on businesses in the shire as well as other worries.

In one of its responses, Bunnings said Narrabri has been identified as a store location for Bunnings in view of the significant regional service role of the town.

“This includes the ability to attract customers seeking access to a Bunnings from other towns in the surrounding region, including Moree, Boggabri, Wee Waa etc.”

“Store data indicates customers from Narrabri and surrounds are currently travelling a significant distance to existing Bunnings stores (primarily Tamworth and Inverell), representing ‘escape spending’ from the region by customers seeking the popular Bunnings warehouse store format.

“Bunnings, like any other ‘bricks and mortar’ retail business, seeks to serve its customer base through an effective store network. Narrabri represents an opportunity for Bunnings to meet an identified gap in their preferred network of stores.”

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