Development Approval Secured for Automotive Facility in East Albury —

Habitat Planning is pleased to share it has secured development approval for a new automotive facility for vehicle sales and repairs at 90 North Street, East Albury.

Working closely with our client, we were able to guide the project through the approvals process within a succinct timeframe. Our role included early engagement with Albury City Council through pre-lodgement meetings, the provision of detailed planning advice throughout, coordinating a suite of technical assessments and reports from relevant partners to address regulatory requirements, and preparing a comprehensive Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), positioning the proposal as a favourable development.

A Coordinated Planning Approach and Response to Site Conditions —

A key consideration for the project was the presence of the endangered Sloane’s Froglet, which ecological investigations confirmed both the species and areas of habitat on the site. Early discussions with Council helped shape an appropriate and considered response to these environmental factors.

While the site is largely cleared, the identified habitat areas were carefully incorporated into the design. The proposal includes measures to manage and protect those areas, minimising disruption while allowing the development to proceed responsibly.

Landscaping has also been integrated to enhance the site and positively contribute the streetscape.

A Modern, Functional Development —

The approved development will be delivered in two stages and includes two contemporary buildings comprising showrooms, workshops, and administrative spaces.

Stage 1 will deliver a showroom and workshop to the eastern portion of the site, with stage 2 completing a second building to the west. The development is of modern design with articulated façades and a considered palette of external materials.

Internally, the buildings are designed with functionality in mind, with customer and service areas at ground level and office, training, and staff spaces within mezzanine levels.

Designed for Efficiency —

Outside, the development includes hardstand areas for vehicle display, customer parking, and servicing, along with new access points from North Street to support safe and efficient site access.

Bulk earthworks will also to be undertaken to achieve suitable site levels for construction.

A Strong Outcome —

This development approval is representative of a planning outcome that came to fruition relatively seamlessly and within a short timeframe, balancing commercial objectives with environmental considerations and local planning requirements.

We’re proud to have been able to support our client, Lucrum Automotive Group in achieving their development goals and look forward to seeing the project take shape.