THE metro outer joint development assessment panel (MODAP) approved the development of a McDonald’s and car wash in Kalamunda on October 30 despite community opposition.

The decision comes after months of debate, more than 1200 public submissions, and multiple community meetings.

Conditions of the approval include the requirement for the applicant to make minor intersection upgrades for safety and traffic flow at the junction of Heath and Canning roads.

In May this year, the MODAP deferred its decision, requesting the applicant address traffic, intersection, and heritage concerns.

At the time, most panel members agreed more evidence of parking provisions, operating hours, and amenity impacts was needed before a decision.

Kalamunda North Ward councillor David Modolo, not speaking on behalf of the council, said the final approval showed a disconnect between community expectations and the state-controlled assessment process.

“This decision strikes right at the heart of Kalamunda’s character,” he said.

“While many will enjoy the development, most here cherish the village atmosphere, the walkability, the trees.

“Residents aren’t anti-development; they just want projects that reflect Kalamunda’s story.

Cr Modolo said the overwhelming community response showed deep engagement in local planning.

“The two elected representatives on the panel, the mayor and deputy mayor, both opposed the development but were outnumbered,” he said.

“It shows how little weight local planning policies like our local planning policy 30 can have once they reach the development assessment panel (DAP).

“The community spent years shaping those rules only to see them brushed aside.

“People here want to be part of shaping Kalamunda’s future, not spectators to decisions made by outsiders.”

As reported in Fast food and car wash proposal for Kalamunda, community concerns throughout the process have focused on traffic congestion, tree loss, and the proposal’s proximity to schools and residential areas.

The result forms part of a larger storyline about local government input being vetoed by state development processes despite an engaged community and administrative local government team as reported in Development assessment panels explained.

The City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said DAPs were established by the state government to assess larger developments and operate independently of local councils.

“The city will continue to work with the applicant to ensure the development meets local planning requirements and achieves a design outcome that complements the surrounding area,” she said.

Ms Thomas said measures will be in place to safeguard existing vegetation, with protective fencing and signage around designated trees, active monitoring during construction and inclusion of trees on adjoining properties that may be affected.

“These measures ensure responsible site management and help preserve established vegetation.”