The original plans of Tallowood Ridge development included a local store. In various different plans of the development, this moved from the current site of the childcare centre to the area around stage 7 (clearly seen on the map as 'Country Store Site' from stages plan 6.1B). Stage 8 and 9 plans of Tallowood Ridge are before council and we are yet to see this being followed through. Many residents moved in to the area believing a local shop would be included in the plans. With another 160 houses still to be built in Tallowood, this equates to approximately 320 cars. If you add this to all of the current Tallowood residents, this represents a significant portion of the vehicles in Mullumbimby. In order to reduce congestion and parking problems in the main streets of Mullumbimby, we are requesting Byron Shire Council and the Tallowood Ridge developer to follow through with original plans of building a local store. This would enable residents to walk or bike ride to buy daily necessities rather than get in a car and drive to town. The environmental impacts of vehicle use and the congestion and parking issues in town are of concern for the much broader Mullumbimby community.

It states in the first DA for Tallowood ridge, section 3, page 28

(f) To provide realistic guidelines for the growth of commercial and nonresidential uses to support the increasing population and respond to tourism opportunities; At such time as there are approximately 100 homes occupied in "Tallowood Ridge", the applicant will complete the construction of the approved convenience store located at the corner of Tuckeroo Avenue and Left Bank Road.

The issue that this site was turned into a childcare centre (without community consultation) negates the fact it was recognised that a store is needed, that the developer was supposed to build one, that Tallowood Ridge is well past 100 occupied homes and that the community still need a store. An alternative site for a local store needs to be found and included on development plans.