News
7 February, 2026
Council refuses proposed Coles redevelopment in Moss Vale
An application to expand the existing Coles supermarket in Moss Vale has been refused – suggesting Wingecarribee Shire Council may be heading into another legal battle with a retail giant.
An application to expand the existing Coles supermarket in Moss Vale has been refused – suggesting Wingecarribee Shire Council may be heading into another legal battle with a retail giant.
The applicant has been advised the development is not in the public interest.
Council’s decision is also based on a number of other factors pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
It says the applicant has failed to provide sufficient information “to determine the development is unlikely to have an adverse impact on built environments, or on social and economic conditions in the locality”.
It also says the applicant has provided insufficient information to demonstrate that the site is suitable for the proposed development and that it has provided insufficient information to address community concerns.
The proposal was for the demolition of an existing retail premises and alterations and additions to the existing Coles supermarket, including a Liquorland shop.
It attracted a number of objections based primarily on parking, traffic congestion and flooding.
One objector said the proposal “prioritises commercial profit over commercial needs”.
“Th existing traffic infrastructure within Moss Vale is already under significant strain and the proposed expansion will only worsen the issue,” the objector said.
“The increase in store size and customer volume has not been matched by a proportional increase in available parking spaces.
“This will likely result in congestion, frustration and unsafe conditions for both drivers and pedestrians in the surrounding area.”
Another objector said the addition of a Liquorland store would result in a “massive” increase in traffic and the proposed development would have a “significant detrimental impact” on parking and traffic.
Council’s planning assessment states, in part, that the proposal “may contribute to cumulative impacts on local roads, overflow parking in surrounding areas, safety risks for pedestrians and other road users arising from insufficient information regarding traffic management”.
“Based on concerns regarding traffic and parking, the site is considered not suitable for the proposed development,” the assessment says.
“Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate the loading and unloading arrangements, traffic provisions and car parking allocation and movements can operate satisfactorily.
“Without assurance that these issues can be managed without causing adverse traffic or parking impacts, the site cannot be deemed appropriate for the intensification of use.”
Council is already facing action in the Land and Environment Court after refusing approval for a proposed Woolworths complex in Argyle Street behind the existing Mobile service station and KFC food outlet.
Conciliation talks late last year between the parties failed and Woolworths’ appeal will be heard before the Land and Environment Court in late May.
Traffic and parking in Moss Vale has been a longstanding issue but council has been accused of adding to the problem by approving developments such as Ashbourne in Yarrawa Road.
Council has received more than $14 million in funding for design and early works on a proposed Moss Vale bypass, designed to assist motorists travelling through Moss Vale by providing an alternative to Argyle Street.
The proposed bypass between Berrima Road and Argyle Street – including a new bridge over the train line – would be entirely dependent on external funding and could be many years away.
The applicant for the proposed Coles development, MPG Funds Management Ltd, has been contacted for comment.
Read More: Moss Vale, Southern Highlands