The start of things to come in Kepnock
KEPNOCK'S retail versus residential ride began in 2009 when a 6803sq m site - part of 12.7ha parcel owned by developer John Santalucia - was approved for the Aldi store despite the land being zoned "residential A".
With the plans lodged in mid 2009, Bundaberg Regional Council approved the development off Greathead Rd in December 2009.
At the time, the NewsMail reported the council saw a number of positives about the project, including fulfilling the community's need for a broad range of services delivered efficiently.
Although the subject site had a building footprint in a residential zone, the developer claimed it had demonstrated it could alleviate any impacts relating to activity in the zone through conditions of approval.
The Economic Impact Assessment report submitted with the application concluded the eastern part of the city around Kepnock was relatively underserviced with retailing of all types, and therefore the need for convenience retail facilities of the type offered by Aldi was seen as significant.
The development included noise barriers around areas such as the loading dock and plant.
