Update 17 December 2014: Thank You Councillor Dingle!
Councillor Geoff Dingle raised this matter with Council Planning Staff and there was not much enthusiasm but when he indicated that if it was not fixed he would be calling it up before Council under s96 which could have delayed the project. Common sense finally prevailed and drawings were provided for 3 toilets and baby change facilities. We are Relieved………
Original post 10 October 2014
Woolworths have applied to make what they describe as minor design changes to their new supermarket which will be built on the Coles site over the next year.
However, one proposed change is not so minor. Woolworths want to be relieved of the condition that they provide public toilets in the development. Their application misleads by assuring that they will still be providing ‘public toilet facilities’ off the lobby area, but when you look at the plans this is just a single ‘accessible’ toilet.
A lot of people don’t like to use ‘accessible toilets’ – thinking they are reserved for people with disabilities – and in any case one such toilet is in no way a substitute for proper separate Mens and Womens facilities.
We understand that Woolworths have already got away with this at their new Medowie store.
There are no public toilets in that part of the town centre and this is a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to get a decent new facility at no cost to Council. Woolworths are already making this the most basic development with only the bare minimum of ‘public benefit’ infrastructure.
We think Council should refuse to delete the condition. If you agree, please send a submission (however brief) to Council before 15 October – by post or email – a template letter is HERE
October 15 2014 TRRA Submission to Council: 141015 TRRA sub Woolworths variation
Hey we need proper toilets. Lots of holiday makers with children cannot find one in Nelson Bay. AND Woolies can afford it.
John