Faulconbridge’s Fruit House will get a makeover which owners say will improve the appearance of the highway-side shop and make life easier and safer for customers.

After a dispute over initial expansion plans saw the issue taken to the Land and Environment Court, council has been working to resolve any problems with owner Tony Todarello.

Last Tuesday councillors voted to approve a plan allowing Mr Todarello to get on with the work.

A previous application was rejected due to concerns the site could not cope with increased business caused by the sale of pots and landscape supplies.

Ward 2 Clr Chris Van der Kley said he and other councillors had made every effort to ensure problems with the original plan were resolved.

Along with landscaping to improve the appearance of the site there will be improvements to parking arrangements and a slip-lane off the highway to reduce any danger to motorists.

“We want to keep viable businesses here in the Mountains,” he said.

While most of the work has been approved there is ongoing discussion over the use of a strip of land at the front of the business for customer parking.

The RTA must approve continued use of the area, classed as ‘highway reserve’, as it may eventually be needed for future widening of the important artery.

Mr Todarello said he is pleased most of the outstanding issues have been resolved and is keen to continue with the work, saying the place will look “a picture” when complete.