THE developers behind a planned expansion of The Oxford Hotel could be asked to pay more than $200,000 to compensate for a shortage of car spaces on the site.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lion Majestic Pty Ltd has lodged a development application with Bathurst Regional Council seeking to make alterations and additions to the existing two-storey premises on the corner of William and Piper streets.
The proposal includes enclosing part of the existing beer garden to extend the dining area, upgrading the nightclub for use as a sports lounge, new entry to the sports bar from Piper Street, new entry to the hotel from William Street and an upgrade of finishes and fittings.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
But a report to councillors by environmental, planning and building services director Neil Southorn says it is the hotel's plan to establish a new children's playground and entry from the existing car park that could create parking issues.
Mr Southorn's report says the proposal "extends the building footprint into the existing parking area, removing nine of the existing on-site parking spaces".
The report also details the history of parking at the site, saying a previous DA lodged in 2004 for alterations and additions to the hotel also fell five short of the number of car spaces required by council's planning rules.
At the time, the developer paid $33,378 in compensation for the shortfall in car spaces but changes to the planning rules over the past 16 years mean the bill could be much higher this time round.
"The current contribution rate for parking under the Section 94 Plan CBD Car Parking is $18,961.40 per space, representing a significant increase in the rates per space since 2004," the report states.
"... In accordance with the Bathurst Regional Development Control Plan, the required onsite parking provisions at one space per 30 square metres of licensed floor area, is 70."
The report states that 53 spaces will be made available to hotel patrons, an overall shortfall of 17. Given the hotel previously compensated council for the five spaces shortfall in 2004, the current shortfall would be 12.
"[Council] could impose a condition of consent requiring a contribution under its Section 94 Plan Bathurst CBD Car Parking," Mr Southorn states in the report.
"The current contribution is $227,536.80, i.e. 12 spaces at $18,961.40."
Councillors will discuss the item at Wednesday night's monthly meeting.
What do you think?
- Why not write us a letter to the editor ...