THE Star Hotel’s expansion plans have been given the green light by Albury Council planning staff subject to a string of tighter conditions than originally proposed by its owners.
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The stricter controls include capping the number of patrons at existing levels of 450 people to overcome residents’ concerns about noise and traffic and balcony areas to be only used by patrons using the upstairs function area.
There will be no balcony tables and chairs and all doors to outside spaces will be fitted with airlock devices.
In a further measure, screening will be fitted to part of the balcony facing Guinea Street to prevent overlooking into a women’s health and wellness centre located opposite the pub.
The report to be presented to councillors reveals discussions between council staff and women’s centre management took place and the screening would be a “significant benefit and provide a greater level of protection for users of the facility”.
The report also states: “Increased impacts on the local neighbourhood can be minimised by capping the maximum patronage of the site to the existing maximum of 450 persons.
“Such a limit will be almost a ‘catch-all’ control in that it would simultaneously address issues concerning noise, traffic and parking and anti-social behaviour”.
The Star Hotel’s planning consultant James Layock from Blueprint Planning said issues raised by nearby residents had been taken on board by licensee Ron Nairne and adjustments made to the plans.
“In response to supporting the viability of the hotel, a complimentary function centre is proposed within the existing first-floor area of the hotel, which would cater primarily for local corporate training and function events during weekday business hours,” Mr Laycock said.
“The function centre would also be used for small weddings, birthday parties and Christmas parties and the like on Friday and Saturday evenings.
“Importantly, the existing maximum number of people permitted to be on site under the existing liquor licence will not increase.”