Bathurst Regional Council recently approved a development application (DA) for the old pub, often referred to as 'The Eddy', granting consent for alterations to the premises at 132 William Street.

The DA proposed to erect an awning over part of the existing rear beer garden, erect an amenities building with bathroom facilities and storage room, internal alterations to allow for disability access and toilet facilities, and to put in a new wall at the edge of the existing carriageway to more clearly delineate this area.

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In its determination of the DA, council had to consider the impact of the proposal on heritage as the building, while not a heritage item itself, is located in the heritage conservation area.

Director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, noted in his report on the DA that there would be "little to nil impact".

"In this instance, the works are located to the rear of the property and have little to nil impact on the streetscape," he said.

"Whilst internal works are proposed to improve accessibility to and within the site, they are minor and have little to no impact on the heritage significance of the building."

The DA was approved without objection on March 17, with six conditions imposed.

Councillors stated that they were pleased with the way the developer had worked with council on the plans, and that it would be good to have The Eddy back after it closed in 2019.

Deputy mayor Ian North noted that additional information was needed and that the applicant had come back to council to "explain in great detail how the establishment has worked in the past", and as a result "common ground" was found.

Councillor Warren Aubin said it would be great to have the pub reopen in future.

"It's great to see The Eddy will be back," he said. "It's been out of commission for a while and I think a lot of patrons are looking forward to it reopening, so good work."

The DA was lodged by Ross Clark Constructions and the spokesperson for the project told the Western Advocate on Monday that they would continue to work with council to get the pub reopened.

"We're working with council and they've been fantastic to work with," they said.

There is no timeline available yet for when The Eddy might open its doors again, however a second DA for internal alternations was advertised over the weekend.

It will be on exhibition until April 13, during which time people can make submissions to council.

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