Bathurst Regional Council staff recommend Kirkcaldy Street brothel plans be approved

The controversial development application (DA) was lodged with Bathurst Regional Council last year for a vacant site at 8 Kirkcaldy Street, South Bathurst.

It immediately drew criticism from surrounding business owners and residents, who were concerned about the impact the brothel would have on the street.

READ MORE: Business owners object to Kirkcaldy Street brothel plans

Under the proposal, a new building would be constructed for use as a sex services premises, containing 10 work rooms, staff facilities, a reception and waiting area, and various amenities.

Two car parking areas would be constructed, and the entire site would be contained behind a 1.8-metre high colorbond fence, accessible only via security gates.

The business would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Council staff have reviewed the DA and associated documents and recommended that consent be granted, although the director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, noted there was significant public opposition in his report.

"The proposal has generated a number of public submissions opposing the development from businesses and landowners in the vicinity of the property, as well as the community more generally," he said.

"The submissions raise issues specific to the development as well as more generally associated with the use itself.

"Having regard to the planning provisions that apply to this type of development the proposal warrants approval subject to conditions."

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It will be up to councillors to make the final determination at this Wednesday's council meeting.

If they stick to the recommendations of staff, a number of conditions would be imposed to lessen the impact of the development.

This includes treating workroom windows on the southern side to ensure there is no direct line of sight into the property.

Should councillors have reservations about approving the DA, Mr Southorn said there are grounds for refusal.

Based on community concerns, council could refuse the proposal on the grounds that "the application is not in the public interest".

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