The proposed Woolworths supermarket in Castlemaine will go ahead after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruled in favour of the construction.
A long debate has prevailed, with Council and many locals opposed to the development.
Locals are divided on the decision, citing concerns about the impact that a large supermarket will have on the town, which will negatively affect smaller businesses and create more traffic congestion.
Others welcome the decision as it means that people will no longer leave Castlemaine to shop at the bigger supermarkets.
The developer, Lascorp Investment Group Pty Ltd, now holds a permit to build on the 3,300 square metre block of land.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 23 December 2022.