The Star Hotel has dropped the most contentious part of redevelopment plans for the central Albury pub.
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Two years ago the hotel met strong neighbouring resident resistance to building a first level balcony which could be accessed from an upstairs function area the pub owners still want to create.
A second development application has been submitted to Albury Council by planning consultants, Blueprint Planning, and doesn't include plans for the balcony areas.
The original development application sought approval to operate the balcony areas from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sundays, but were strongly opposed.
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Pub owners are seeking approval to operate the upstairs function room between 10am to midnight Monday to Saturday and 10am to 10pm Sunday which are within the hotel's existing liquor licence days and hours.
The existing small deck facing Olive Street will stay as it has been previously used by patrons with the function area to replace eight existing upstairs accommodation rooms. The pub also plans to lease two 24-seat coaches which will operate on Friday and Saturday nights to provide a drop-off option for patrons to anywhere in the twin cities.
The latest development application was lodged last month when all NSW pubs and clubs were shut due to COVID-19.
Even though restrictions are lifting, the pub is closed.
"The proponent has considered his options, in particular options arising from the current NSW Government forced closure of the hotel due to the COVID-19 pandemic," planning consultant James Laycock said.
"It has facilitated the option of moving forward with less expensive, amended plans to resolve the current development application stalemate.
"The amended plans remove all of the originally sought balconies and decks which were contentious in the eyes of some adjoining and nearby neighbours and the community and which was the focus of the council resolution (in 2018).
"During normal times the Star Hotel is a significant social gathering point for the central Albury and wider Albury-Wodonga community."
