The development of the first Costco in Brisbane has hit a stumbling block with Westfield taking action in the Planning and Environment Court to attempt to block the ‘member’s only’ retailer from moving forward with the proposed North Lakes store.
Several news outlets have reported on the story over the course of today including the Courier Mail (also repeated on other News.com.au syndicated sites) and ABC Radio Brisbane. As indicated in the stories the Morton Bay Regional Council approved the Costco development as well as a new Ikea store for North Lakes. However Westfield has taken action on the basis that the development of the site in North Lakes by Stockland, that will include the new Costco store, does not comply with the local town plan and will be in direct competition with other established local shopping centres.
The legal action threatend to derail the development for several years and cost the local council millions of dollars in legal costs. As a result the Queensland State Government is intending to become involved in the dispute. Media outlets have reported that Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jeff Seeney may call in the matter based on the size and nature of the issue.
ABC Radio Brisbane interviewed the mayor of Morton Bay Regional Council, Cr Allan Sutherland, on the matter. Cr Sutherland welcomes the intervention of the state government to potentially call in the the project to avoid a protracted and costly legal battle.
The Courier Mail reported The Deputy Premier has signed off a proposed call-in and the affected parties have 15 days to provide submissions so the state government can decide on whether or not to call-in the project.