A permanent footpath could be fitted around a controversial airlock in the Coles supermarket if a new planning permit application is approved.
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Documents received for the application show a footpath is proposed around the structure that appeared outside the store in Sharwood Street in spring last year.
It attracted controversy as it extended all the way across an existing footpath to the gutter, raising safety concerns.
When The Courier visited the location last month, pedestrians were witnessed leaving the footpath and walking on the road outside the airlock. They went back to the footpath on the other side of the structure.
When the matter was raised in early December, the City of Ballarat made an unusually critical statement, saying it was "not satisfied with the outcome".
A temporary footpath was constructed at Coles' expense shortly after the matter was raised, with both the supermarket and the council confirming discussions would take place to arrange a more permanent solution. The makeshift path is currently sealed off with barriers.
While this is a suitable outcome in the short term, the City of Ballarat is looking to review the entire car park layout as part of the Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan
- City of Ballarat spokesperson
Design documents suggest there would be a no-standing area in the lead-up to a new footpath that would extend outside the airlock.
An existing taxi bay would be removed and an additional one installed further along the store beyond a glass barrier. There would also be a new seat put in place.
A planning permit had been issued for the original construction of the airlock, which took place at the same time as a major renovation.
The recent application was received by the City of Ballarat on January 29 this week. The official address is on Peel Street, but customers enter the store from the entrance on Sharwood Street.
A Coles spokesperson said they would not comment on the specific planning application as it had only just been submitted, but said that they would continue working with council.
A City of Ballarat spokesperson said the plans were for Coles to widen the path in front of the airlock by a minimum of 2.5 meters. Officers were keen to work with taxi drivers "to provide an outcome that is suitable and safe for all," the spokesperson said.
"While this is a suitable outcome in the short term, the City of Ballarat is looking to review the entire car park layout as part of the Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan."
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