A development application for a new single storey bakery was given the green light by all councillors last Wednesday night and will be built on the vacant land next to the Harden tennis courts on the south eastern side of the East Street/Albury Street intersection.

Due to council’s interest as an owner of the land the assessment report was prepared by staff from Cootamundra council before being returned to council for determination.

As the site is situated on the Burley Griffen Way, a road controlled by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, it was referred to them for comment but returned with no objections.

Harden Shire Council mayor Chris Manchester said the approval of the bakery development was another excellent outcome for the town.

“We now have two new major business developments happening in town with the supermarket and the bakery,” Cr Manchester said.

“Everything is looking good for the town and hopefully by this time next year we’ll have two successful businesses operating in town.”

Car parking to service the development will encompass both onsite rear parking for staff and deliveries and on street parking in East Street for customers.

Developer of the new proposal Grant Pearce spoke to councillors at last week’s meeting on the new development saying he was very excited to be bringing a new business to town.

Mr Pearce, who co-owns the Superb Bakery in Boorowa, says he sees an opportunity here in Harden for locals and the travelling public.

“We think it’s going to be good business as the site is ideally located on the main highway,” he said.

“We also hope to employ around 15 to 20 people and bring more tourist dollars into the town.”

Mr Pearce said he will now look at getting the land purchase finalised and get back to builders on the conditions stipulated by council but said he was hoping the new bakery will be up and running by the Christmas school holidays.

One submission was received by council as a result of the notification of the proposal which referred to the removal of trees from the site.

The site does contain three small European elm type trees ranging in height from 1.85m to 3m.

These trees will need to be removed to allow construction with council hoping to relocate them to a more suitable location.

The applicant will also be required to place one tree in a road blister in East Street to provide shade.

Hours of trade the new bakery can operate will be from 6am to 6pm seven days a week.