At least eight objections have been lodged since the proposal was put forward in December last year to transform the site which has sat vacant since the pub closed back in 2015. 

City of Ballarat south ward councillor Des Hudson said while some of the objections have been lodged by nearby food outlets concerned by the increasing presence of more major fast food chains, others had questioned the traffic flow around the already busy Albert and Rubicon streets roundabout.  

The stretch along Albert Street is already home to a number of fast food options including KFC, McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza. 

“The main concern is whether traffic flow is going to be smooth because council is very much aware of the volume of traffic using the other takeaway outlets,” Cr Hudson said. 

The issue around traffic flow is currently being investigated by VicRoads, which will pass its recommendations to council. 

While the decision to issue planning permits to developers Bently Property Group Pty Ltd could be completed by council officers, it may also appear before council if councillors choose to debate the issue. 

The 3176-square metre site, which is comprised of four separate blocks, takes in land which is zoned both mixed use and residential, meaning the developers would need to gain special consideration to operate in the space. 

If successful the four-bowser petrol station will operate 24-hours a day. 

While the space had originally been located within the South Ward of the City of Ballarat, it was rezoned as part of the Central Ward at last year’s council elections. 

Cr Hudson said he expected a resolution on the matter within the next six weeks which would either give the project the green light or send developers back to the drawing board. 

He said while it remained to be seen whether the Hungry Jacks/BP combination would be given the go-ahead, he hoped the space would eventually be redeveloped for commercial purposes. 

“It’s a significant site and it’s a big land mass so it’s a great opp for developers and while I’m open minded to the current development and we will debate that, if its not that then there’s still room for other options.”