THE Aldi store which was headed for the West Street shopping centre was rejected by City of Busselton councillors at a meeting on Wednesday.
Councillors voted 5-4 against an Aldi store at West Street due to concerns it would fragment the city centre and stop people from coming into the central business district.
Councillor Ross Paine raised the motion against an Aldi store at West Street stating the supermarket would fragment the town centre in a new shopping centre which offers nothing for social interaction.
Councillors were concerned if a supermarket and department store were both located at the West Street site it would stop shoppers from coming into the town centre.
Councillor John McCallum said small business owners would be at risk from a loss of foot traffic in the town centre.
Erceg Management director Allan Erceg said his company developing the West Street site would exercise their rights to appeal the decision.
Mr Erceg said they were not happy with the decision and had worked closely with council officers over many years to cover areas of traffic management.
“We liaised closely to ensure we met the right requirements and can deliver both Kmart and Aldi to the town for trading next year,” he said.
More to come.
