New Bunnings store rejected by WA Planning Commission

The Western Australian Planning Commission has formally rejected a controversial proposal for a multimillion-dollar Bunnings warehouse development in Bunbury. The decision concludes a period of intense scrutiny regarding the retail giant’s plan to establish a secondary site a mere ten kilometres from its current regional operations.

The application met with stiff resistance from planning authorities, who cited inconsistencies with established land-use frameworks and concerns over the fragmentation of local commercial hubs. While proponents argued for the economic benefits and employment opportunities associated with the construction, the commission determined that the project failed to meet the rigorous criteria required for sustainable regional growth.

“The rejection underscores a significant shift in the planning landscape, where the long-term integrity of urban design is now being prioritised over the rapid territorial expansion of major corporate entities.”

Following the ruling, Wesfarmers-owned Bunnings has yet to confirm whether it will seek a review of the decision through the State Administrative Tribunal. For now, the verdict stands as a definitive signal to developers that regional strategic plans will be strictly enforced, regardless of the scale of the investment.