AN alternate motion was passed during the May 29 Development Assessment Panel (DAP), deferring the Kalamunda’s McDonald’s and car wash development application decision for up to 180 days.

The alternate motion was passed after the report recommendation to accept the application lapsed for want of a mover and a seconder.

The decision gave the applicant six months to address the DAP’s concerns with the City of Kalamunda.

Most panel members agreed a documented agreement on the scope of the intersection upgrades should be submitted before any decision was made on the application.

“The panel was concerned about the potential for delays to any implementation of intersection upgrades, once the fast-food outlet was already in operation,” the document stated.

“Most panel members also agreed the panel would benefit from further input from evidence-based responses to key issues raised by the community, including the hours of operation and parking provision.

“Most panel members also agreed the panel would benefit from further review and commentary from the design review panel on the impact of changes made to the design since the last panel review.”

The alternative motion expects the applicant to work with the City of Kalamunda to agree to the scope of modification to the intersection of Canning and Heath Roads.

The City of Kalamunda is also able to prepare additional commentary on appropriate timing for implementation of any modification or upgrade to the intersection as well as the impact of the parking shortfall on the site in consideration of other parking shortfalls that have been approved in the vicinity of the site.

The deferral also  allowed the applicant to prepare and submit an amended transport impact assessment to the satisfaction of the City of Kalamunda.

Kalamunda’s design review panel and panel chair can also review the amended design and provide final comments on the proposal.

Kalamunda North Ward councillor David Modolo said the deferral was a sensible outcome and though the community held opposing views, it was healthy.

“(The deferral) acknowledges that serious concerns about traffic, amenity and built form haven’t yet been adequately addressed,” he said.

“The DAP asked tough and considered questions on the day, and the applicant now has a chance to respond with the detail this proposal demands.

“The planning framework exists to protect the integrity of the Kalamunda town centre – not just for today, but for future generations.

“This debate isn’t about fast food, it’s about whether we’re willing to stand by our own vision for Kalamunda.

“People should know this isn’t a popularity contest – it’s a planning process.

“The DAP is legally bound to assess developments against planning rules, including our own local policies and design guidelines.

“If a proposal doesn’t meet those, it shouldn’t be approved just because it’s commercially convenient.”