Residents about-turn on pub seating
Controversy over outdoor seating at the Sugarmill Hotel in Kings Cross has died down with nearby residents now supporting the current permits and Council approving a 12-month extension.
A storm of objections – and several letters of support – surrounded the previous application which resulted in the pub’s outdoor hours being cut back from midnight to 9pm, and the number of tables and seats reduced.
But the current application for continuation with no changes drew 18 letters of support and only one objection.
One resident wrote to Council claiming that one letter of support was “unauthorised”, and Council staff contacted the authors of the other supporting letters and confirmed their identity and their support.
One Councillor, Chris Harris, abstained from voting at the Planning Committee so he could make his own enquiries with people who had previously objected.
“I emailed residents and all the returns said the situation was much better and they were happy to support the continuation,” he said.
An objection on the grounds that “cumulative amenity” would be worsened was discounted in Council’s report:
“The proposal contributes to the character of the area and provides positive activation of Springfield Plaza, passive surveillance and minimises opportunities for anti-social and criminal activities.”
Police also supported the continuation.
But the 12-month limit was placed because Council has other plans for Springfield Plaza, site of the outdoor seating.
Last year Council appointed urbanist Jan Gehl to come up with a plan for the Plaza. But staff have not released any details of the report. Cr Harris asked to see it but staff had not produced it, he said.
2011 Residents Association had made several submissions over past years suggesting the plaza be activated with a district map, a public access noticeboard and re-opening the closed fruit stall on Darlinghurst Road, but Council staff were not enthused.
Council also resolved that The Sugarmill must pay to relocate a pre-existing public bench which backs closely on to the seating area.
by Michael Gormly
