Our new councillors will have a big decision ahead of them at this week's ordinary council meeting when they consider whether or not to approve a proposed brothel in South Bathurst.

The plans for the almost $1 million project have already caused plenty of angst - including, not surprisingly, among business owners and residents in the vicinity, who worry about it attracting crime and anti-social elements.

So the decision should be simple, then? Well, not necessarily.

A number of councillors said they would be keeping an open mind when asked their opinion on the proposed brothel last year.

Then deputy mayor Monica Morse - who is no longer on council, but who was presumably voicing an opinion shared by others - said the advice of council staff would be key in the decision making.

Councillors Warren Aubin and Jess Jennings, who both retained their positions at the most recent local government election, told the Advocate last year that they saw no reason not to approve the brothel at that stage.

"As they say, it's the world's oldest profession, it's been around for a long time and I don't think they're going to get rid of it any time soon," Cr Jennings said.

A difficult decision for the new council has probably been made more difficult with the news that council staff have recommended the project be allowed - based on the development application, that is, rather than on any judgement on moral grounds.

"Having regard to the planning provisions that apply to this type of development, the proposal warrants approval subject to conditions," is what environmental, planning and building services director Neil Southorn says in his report to this week's council meeting.

So the decision should be simple, then? Well, not necessarily.

He also notes the community opposition to the proposal and says that councillors could, if they chose, reject the proposal based on it not being "in the public interest".

So where does all that leave the councillors who will sit down to meet this Wednesday evening? With a difficult decision, that's where it leaves them.

They've got a reason to approve it and a reason not to approve it and they'll know they'll face plenty of scrutiny whichever way they jump.

Welcome to first grade.