Development consent has been given to a proposed function centre and café at 9 Bells Road Narrandera after a lengthy debate at the Narrandera Shire Council meeting last week.

However there was a proviso that suitable conditions on the development would need to be applied by the general manager.

A division of votes was recorded with those voting in favour Crs Bob Manning, Jenny Clarke OAM, Cameron Lander, Braden Lyons and Tracey Lewis.

Against were the mayor Cr Neville Kschenka, deputy mayor Cr Sue Ruffles and councillors Cameron Rouse and Peter Dawson.

The development application was submitted by Narrandera Bells Road resident Debbie McLean for a Function Centre and Café at Lot 5 DP260110 being 9 Bells Road, Narrandera.

Only one objection was received and it raised concerns relating to land use compatibility, noise, traffic and parking, wastewater management, patron behaviour, residential amenity and the potential cumulative impacts of a commercial hospitality venue operating within a predominantly residential and semi-rural estate.

Council staff’s assessment also concluded that the scale and intensity of the proposed function centre and café were inconsistent with the established character and amenity expectations of Bells Estate.

“While some impacts may be capable of mitigation through conditions of consent, Council is not satisfied that conditions alone can overcome the fundamental land use conflict or adequately address the uncertainty surrounding the cumulative impacts of the development,” the assessment read.

“Having considered the matters required under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, including the objection received and the public interest, council officers conclude that the proposal has not demonstrated that it is suitable for the site or that its likely impacts can be appropriately managed.”

Refusal of the development application was therefore recommended on the grounds of site suitability, unacceptable amenity impacts, insufficient supporting information, and inconsistency with the established residential character of the locality.

Ms McLean addressed councillors and staff prior to the start of the meeting.

She submitted that the proposal was intended to operate primarily as a café and community gathering space with occasional functions.

She also stated that maximum patron numbers would not occur regularly and indicated a willingness to accept conditions limiting hours of operation, patron numbers, music, lighting and event management.

However it was pointed out to Council that the proposal was alleged to contravene an existing covenant applying to the estate which restricts business activities and subdivision.

The applicant advised that they were not provided with covenant documentation when purchasing the property and believed the covenant may no longer be active or enforceable.

Other concerns raised were that noise impacts may result from amplified music, live music, patron gatherings, vehicle movements, arrivals and departures, staff activities and patron behaviour.

The applicant acknowledged the potential for noise impacts and indicated a willingness to accept conditions relating to operating hours, amplified music, outdoor areas, patron departures, complaints management and nomination of a contact person.

Another concern was that the site may not provide sufficient parking for patrons, staff, entertainers, caterers and service providers and may result in vehicles parking on Bells Road or close to neighbouring properties, affecting safety and residential amenity.

The applicant’s response was that parking was intended to be accommodated within the site and that event management measures such as staff supervision and directing vehicles to designated parking areas would be implemented for larger functions.

Concerns were raised regarding the capacity and suitability of the existing septic system to service the proposed development and the proposed location of wastewater and septic infrastructure might adversely impact adjoining properties.

A detailed wastewater assessment should be provided addressing system capacity, infrastructure locations, setbacks, maintenance requirements and environmental impacts.

The applicant acknowledged the issue and advised that discussions had occurred with Council regarding a proposed Taylex commercial treatment system.

There was a concern the development may expand over time beyond the scale currently proposed but the applicant said that Council should assess the development as lodged and that any future expansion would require separate approval.

Ms McLean indicated a willingness to accept conditions limiting capacity, operating hours and the approved use.