A LONG-running land use dispute that threatened the operation of a Gidgegannup family business has ended, with Macri’s Fruit Shed securing official planning approval from the City of Swan.

The two-year planning battle came to a head earlier this year when the business’s original planning application was denied, leaving Macri’s Fruit Shed facing permanent closure, as reported in Gidge family fruit business fights for survival.

That initial application – which sought a tourism facility land use exemption – fell through after a state scheme amendment in late 2025 rendered the pathway invalid right before the business sought to submit their application.

Left without a viable option forward and facing total closure, the family made an urgent public appeal on social media seeking advice or professional guidance.

“Calling out to the community was the best decision we could have made,” Tahlia Macri, daughter of owner John Macri said.

“We were on the verge of giving up and closing our doors, but then this blew up in a way we could have never expected, including loyal customers creating petitions, media attention, political assistance, and most importantly Michael Clare from Forge Planning reaching out and then offering to take on our battle pro bono.”

Mr Clare took over the planning process and helped the family secure the necessary approval to remain open.

“He found options for our shop that had no restrictions and no costs, that were perfect for us,” she said.

“He was able to do in less than three months, what we struggled with for over two years.”

The community movement produced widespread local advocacy, generating a customer-led petition with over 3800 signatures as of July 21.

“The love and loyalty from our customers have been the biggest driving force to not give up,” she said.

“We are completely overwhelmed by the love we have received whether it was signing a petition, writing a letter of support, contacting political members and media to assist, speaking up for us, and even just shopping with us regularly.

“It obviously goes without saying Michael from Forge Planning deserves our greatest appreciation and thanks. We never thought this day would come, and it finally has thanks to him.”

With the business now approved, the family hopes to focus on expanding operations and pursuing deferred site projects.

“We are just looking forward to now being able to operate at full capacity without restrictions and without the fear of suddenly having our doors closed on us,” she said.