News
6 June, 2026
Appeal lodged before DA even gets to planning panel
The proponents of a planned supermarket development on the site lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court before the matter was even discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Wingecarribee Local Planning Panel.
There is still a cloud of uncertainty over the future of Robertson’s Big Potato.
The proponents of a planned supermarket development on the site lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court before the matter was even discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Wingecarribee Local Planning Panel.
While the DA was refused based on the recommendation of council staff, the proponent is confident that all of the issues raised in the staff report can be “satisfactorily resolved” once the matter goes to the Land and Environment Court.
The refusal was based primarily on height and the fact the proposed development would exceed Robertson’s five-metre height limit.
However the LPP also agreed with concerns raised in the staff report about the “fundamental lack of information” in the application relating to issues such contamination, traffic, parking, loading/unloading, waste management and earthworks.
“The panel considers that additional retail facilities would be of benefit to the community,” it said in its determination.
“However it is important that any development on this land maintains and enhances the existing character of Robertson and fully addresses the planning controls that apply to the site.”
Scott Lee from Lee Environmental Planning – speaking on behalf of the proponent – said council staff had wanted the DA withdrawn because of the issues raised in the report.
“My client, the proponent, wasn’t prepared to do that – hence the appeal,” he said.
“I acknowledge quite clearly that there is work that needs to be done but we maintain our original position that it is a development that is worthy of support.”
He said he was confident that all of the matters raised by council could be addressed “if we are given the opportunity to do so”.
Jennifer Macquarie from the Robertson Business Chamber also addressed the LPP in favour of the supermarket proposal.
Mrs Macquarie said the proposed development was “not just a supermarket” but “an essential investment in Robertson’s future - economically, socially and environmentally”.
She said Robertson’s existing supermarket did not have the range or capacity for residents to complete a full weekly shop – forcing most households to travel to Moss Vale, Bowral or Albion Park.
“This proposal would fundamentally change that,” Mrs Macquarie told the LPP.
“It would allow people to shop locally, more efficiently and more sustainably.
“For older people or those who do not drive this is not just about convenience – it’s about accessibility, independence and quality of life.”
Mrs Macquarie said that from a business perspective the benefits were also “significant”.
“A larger supermarket would retain spending within the village, generate employment opportunities and increase foot traffic, which supports surrounding small businesses.
“This is exactly the kind of infrastructure that helps a small town like Robertson remain economically viable and socially connected.”
Mrs Macquarie said the applicant had made a “genuine effort” to ensure the building’s façade aligned with the character of Robertson.
“Supermarkets are designed for functional efficiency to be big boxes.
“Introducing vertical elements and roof pitch to the façade in this instance has made the building less boxy but in doing so breaches the current five-metre height limit for Robertson.”
However, Mrs Macquarie said older buildings surrounding the proposed supermarket site were taller than the current height limits would allow.
“The most beloved buildings in Robertson that inform the character we want to maintain have high roof pictures that would not be allowed under today’s height controls.
“Asking the applicant to comply with the height limit and match local character is an impossible undertaking.”
Mrs Macquarie said council and the community through the 2024 Robertson Place Plan had agreed that height limits in that part of the main street should be reviewed to allow taller buildings.
However that review had never happened due to council’s lack of resources.
“This in my opinion is an inadequate reason to saddle Robertson with a characterless box-like structure that will be there for decades,” she said.
Chair of the LPP Steven Layman told both Mr Lee and Mrs Macquarie that he personally didn’t have a problem with the height of the building – but said there were numerous other issues that needed to be taken into consideration.
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