All councillors voted to approve the expansion of the longstanding business at Creswick Road at the intersection of Creswick Road and Lexton and Howitt streets at the council meeting on Wednesday evening.

The development proposed to expand and redevelop the showrooms, customer area, increase parking area to 171 car spaces and expansion of the workshop.

It also earmarked plans to rezone two vacant parcels of land at 208 and 210 Lexton Street. 

Earlier this year, nearby residents including Brenda Driscoll voiced opposition to the development citing amenity impacts, including light, signage, noise and construction-phase disruption.

Residents also voiced concerns about surrounding traffic impacts, lack of consultation and the negative impacts such a development could have for future residential uses on Lexton Street.

Unable to find a solution at meeting in April, the council resolved to appoint an independent planning panel to consider all submissions received in June.

The independent panel urged councillors to move ahead with the development and seek state government approval for rezoning the land.

Principal director of Peter Stevens Motorworld, Brett Fitzpatrick said the expansion had been a longtime coming and it was “critical” the council moved ahead with it.

“It been a long and costly process,” Mr Fitzpatrick said. “We are looking forward to moving ahead with the process. We believe this development will not only directly improve the streetscape but also greatly benefit other surrounding businesses.”

The development was applauded by Ballarat councillor Jim Rinaldi who said there was a need to support the city’s businesses to ensure economic growth in the region.  

“I’m very please to see another Ballarat business expanding,” Cr Rinaldi said.

“We need developments like this to ensure employment continues to increase in the city. I salute the development and look forward to it moving ahead.”

The council will write to the Victorian planning minister to seek approval to amend the city’s planning scheme. 

No residents opposed to the development attended the meeting.