Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel approves plans by Coles to build new supermarket in Dalyellup

A supermarket giant’s $25 million plans to expand its presence in Greater Bunbury have been given the green light. The Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel approved Coles’ proposed Dalyellup Village Shopping Centre development earlier this month, paving the way for construction. Its decision was unanimous, with presiding member Tony Arias thanking the Capel Shire Council and the company for working together to resolve previous issues with the proposal. “In terms of potential impacts, it is within a district centre and you would expect that there are some additional impacts as a result of this location,” Mr Arias said. The development will see the supermarket chain build a nearly 2900sqm store alongside about 320sqm of space for other retail outlets. Coles Group property development manager Matthew Bonds told the meeting the company had owned the Portobello Road site since 2017. “Since the acquisition of the site, Coles have been focused and committed on delivering this development for the growing Dalyellup community, meaning ensuring the proposal delivers a strong and successful centre for the community,” he said. Mr Bonds highlighted a number of initiatives the proposed development has to improve its sustainability credentials, including solar panels, trees for car parking bay shade and the availability of electric vehicle charging points. He said the centre would create 300 jobs during construction and 128 following its completion. Coles had originally hoped to have construction start in March, but it is unclear when works will now begin.