24 OCTOBER 2025
THURSDAY 30/10/2025
PROGRESS IN THE VILLAGE - BUT AT WHAT COST? A new multi-level commercial development proposed for the corner of Main Street, Samford Road, and Junction Street - the roundabout at the very entrance to our Village - has become the centre of one of the most important local planning disputes in recent years. The Developer’s proposal, lodged in late 2022 under Development Application DA/2022/4057, seeks approval for a multi-level, mixed-use building containing shops, offices, health care services, and food and drink outlets. At largely over 10m tall and built to boundary, it would be the largest building in the Village. The development spans four adjoining lots, two of which are currently zoned residential. To proceed, the developer has asked
Council to approve a Material Change of Use, effectively converting these residential properties into commercial land. The site is far more than just another patch of land - it forms the visual and physical gateway into Samford. The size, massing and scale of the proposed building would make it the most imposing structure in the Village. Many residents fear such a building would dominate the hillside corner and undermine the rural charm and village character that make Samford unique. Don Cousins, past Samford Progress Vice President and lead on this DA objection said: “This isn’t about being anti-progress. It’s about ensuring progress that fits growth that respects the character of
our Village and our community rather than overwhelming it.” Samford Progress became involved after hearing from residents at a monthly meeting. They were deeply concerned about the visual, social, and economic impacts of the development. The group stressed that well-designed, appropriately scaled developments are welcomed - but this proposal, in its current form, simply goes too far. Aside from its size and bulk, there are also questions about economic need. The project would introduce 14 new commercial tenancies. Many are asking: Do we really need more clinics, cafés and offices? And at what cost to the Village’s atmosphere and community balance? Continued Page 3
This is an architectural plan showing the size and scale of the building stretching from Main Street (far left), up to Junction Street (far right). The building is proposed to be 10 metres high at the front, facing Main Street. This view faces Samford Road.
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