A MICROBREWERY and restaurant was approved this week for the former Tynan Motors showroom at Sylvania, despite objections from nearby residents.
The application by Cochrane Investment Trust for the site at 117-119 Princes Highway is for a 135-seat restaurant and microbrewery.
It was approved on Monday night by Sutherland Shire Council’s development assessment and planning committee which is made up of all councillors.
The application produced conflicting views from the normally united Liberal block, with Crs Scott Williams, Tracy Cook and Kevin Schreiber opposing.
The site received a spot rezoning last year from residential to local centre, which permits a restaurant.
Residents of adjoining Madeira Street opposed the plans on the grounds of noise, odours from the brewery, potential drunken behaviour of patrons, traffic, parking and waste.
But the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel supported the application with conditions.
These included doors on the outdoor eating areas to be closed after 10pm and a limit on the weekly average beer production on the premises not to exceed a pre-determined volume to be determined by the council’s director of environmental services.
But as part of the consent, Cr Hassan Awada moved that the limit not exceed 2500 litres a week.
The IHAP report said that activities on the site would be screened by the bulk of the building which would provide an adequate division between residential and commercial uses.
Cr Williams said he could not support the application and moved for refusal.
‘‘I do support the concept but unfortunately on a site inspection, a number of concerns were raised regarding the location that backs onto a residential and family area,’’ he said.
‘‘This development may have a significant impact on the townhouses that back on to the site.’’
Cr Williams said he was also concerned about parking, traffic and safety aspects of the application and the smell generated by the brewery.
Cr Cook supported calls for refusal for the same reasons but Cr Awada said the application was the best possible outcome for the site.
‘‘It will bring employment and be a good entertainment facility,’’ he said.
Cr Steve Simpson said the shire needed a diversity of restaurants.
‘‘I believe the amenity of the residents will be catered for. This will make the area come alive,’’ he said.
Do you think a microbrewery will be good for the area?
See related story: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1200301/microbrewery-opposed-in-shire/