Hungry Jacks wins Goulburn approval

The 61-seat restaurant and takeaway at 434 Auburn Street, next to BWS Liquor, won unanimous endorsement at Tuesday’s meeting.

It involves demolition of the former Robertson car-yard site and includes a drive-thru, 23 car spaces, loading dock and service delivery via Denison Lane. The outlet will operate from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.

The 275 square metre development will also bring 10 full-time and 50 part-time jobs to Goulburn.

The approval followed talks between council planners and the applicant over the amount of signage originally proposed. The chain wanted 12 separate signs, including an eight-metre high pylon at the entry.

“This will be very intrusive at the entrance to the CBD and the Heritage Conservation Area,” Goulburn Heritage Group wrote in a submission. 

It argued the plan “flew in the face” of other efforts to achieve building sympathy in the CBD.

Another submitter branded it an “eyesore,” while others said the development would destroy their quiet enjoyment of the area.

“I/we see no architectural, aesthetic, or public benefit merit in the proposed building and its signage, lighting etc, intruding crassly on the CBD,” Leigh and Judy Bottrell wrote. 

A similar debate erupted in recent years regarding signage for the the nearby Target and First Choice Liquor outlet.

Planners had recommended conditional approval for the Hungry Jacks based on the original signage, with some modifications. But conditions were amended in a late item tendered to the meeting.

They removed the 8m pylon sign due to “adverse impact” on the area and replaced it with a 7m pole sign that would not be internally illuminated. Five other signs were also removed.

“The signs are considered excessive and unsympathetic to the heritage conservation value and mixed use character of the area,” planners wrote.

The council received 22 submissions on the DA raising concerns about signage, lifestyle and amenity, heritage, noise, additional traffic and access via Denison Lane.

Only Hungry Jacks service vehicles will access the lane, which is also used by nearby businesses. 

Councillors and others were worried about potential for rubbish thrown in the nearby Phyllis Rudd Rose Garden and in Howard park opposite. A condition requiring twice daily litter patrols was imposed. 

The chain says it has “zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour” and will have 16 CCTV cameras.