Urban Land & Housing Pty Ltd (ULH) managing director Peter Lowry OAM said some 8000 feasibility slips were sent out to East Bowral residents and the surrounding towns of Glenquarry and Kangaloon.

Mr Lowry said he wanted to dispel any concerns about the shops and loss of rural views at the proposed site on the corner of Kangaloon and Boardman roads.

He said rural views would be taken into account with heavy landscaping of the site if the plan went ahead.

ULH would also send out its architect to drive around the Highlands to gain an impression of the kind of building design that would keep in line with the area.

“We want it to look old,” Mr Lowry said.

When asked about what kind of supermarket would be located at the site, he said there would not be a major supermarket chain but more of a convenience store.

“I can understand [people] getting concerned about that,” he said.

Mr Lowry also spoke about securty issues.

“As for lights, there’ll always be security with something like this. Graffiti? Graffiti is a sign you’re not in control and our policy has always been to remove it within 24 hours.

“As far as noise is concerned it’s not going to be a large shopping centre but a neighbourhood shopping centre.”

Options for the site not only include a possible post office, bank and convenience store, but also a small art gallery or wine store.

Mr Lowry has been notified not all residents received a feasibility survey and he would rectify that issue.

Once the results of the interest surveys have been determined, ULH will hold a public meeting to allow residents to voice any concerns they have.

Council: survey is not ours

A DEVELOPER, not Wingecarribee Shire Council, is seeking feedback from East Bowral residents to determine whether it is feasible to build a small shopping complex in the area.

Mayor Duncan Gair said many residents had called him wondering what the council’s position was on the development.

“I’ve had to advise them that we don’t have any proposal before us yet,” Cr Gair said.

The company responsible for distribution of the questionnaire, Urban Land & Housing Pty Ltd, did advise council officers of its consultation plans. It was invited to send further information, but no correspondence had been received to date.

“The questionnaire being circulated is being done by the proponent without any input from council,” Cr Gair said.

“It is good business practice to check whether a proposal, to build something or provide a service, is actually warranted.”