By Ethan Benedicto
The construction of a new KFC in Berwick has been met with criticisms and complaints, with residents questioning its necessity.
Brian Allan, a local within walking distance of the construction site located on the corner of Langmore Lane and adjacent of Clyde Road stated that with a busy intersection, the idea itself was unbelievable.
“The intersection is already busy and accident-prone and a traffic generator such as KFC will only make it more hazardous,” he said.
Demolition of the old pathology building took roughly a week and finished on 29 July 2023, with construction still ongoing.
Berwick MP Brad Battin released a statement in which he affirmed that the concerns of the community are genuine and ‘must be answered’.
“The State Labor Government changed the rules when it comes to development in areas like Clyde Road meaning the community has no say in what gets built – no matter the impact,” Mr Battin said.
Tania Asper, Casey’s manager of planning and building said that the council “assesses each application on its merits.
“The planning application was not advertised as there is a development plan on the land which exempts it from public notice, a planning permit was not required to demolish the dwelling,” Ms Asper said.
A Facebook post made on 17 January that remarked against the new project gained some traction, with users resonating with the post’s message.
Brian Allan had echoed many users’ concerns, questioning that “as a resident within walking distance, I wasn’t consulted or advised.
“Was anyone else living in close proximity provided information?” he said.
Clyde Road serves as one of the main arteries into Berwick Village, seeing traffic from the Princes highway and freeway, as well as a train station and three schools within a five-kilometre radius.
“The traffic at this intersection is already hectic at peak hours, there have been multiple accidents and now you are adding a high patronage restaurant and drive-through that will increase the risks,” Mr Battin said.
Other complaints in addition to the traffic related to the fast-food centre’s scenic impact on Berwick Village, with users stating that it is a severe contrast to the area’s atmosphere.
However, Ms Asper also added that “This application related to the development of a food and drink premises and offices at 15-17 Clyde Road, Berwick was assessed by council on buildings and works, and based on the assessment, a permit was issued in October 2022.
“During its assessment, the application was referred to the Department of Transport for comment on traffic safety, they did not object to the application subject to conditions,” Ms Asper said.
Further comments from users spoke about locals previously relying on speculation, instead of concrete information regarding the purpose of the new construction site.
The Berwick Village structure plan, which Casey adopted on 6 September 2011 sets out a framework for the use, enhancement and development of activity in Berwick Village over the next 20 years.
The site for the new KFC at 15-17 Clyde Road falls under the commercial section of this structure plan, which includes buildings for retail, offices and restaurants.
Nonetheless, for Mr Battin, the importance lay in local planning being open and transparent “with fair consultation with the community”.
“On this occasion that has been ignored and now we will have a KFC in the wrong location and will disturb the amenity of the area, in particular the aged care facility next door,” he said.
As it currently stands, the site lays barren with a few construction vehicles and fencing on both Langmore Lane and Clyde Road.
