Gael Nash, Sunrise
Several statements made by Brandon Saul, the developer of Habitat, are inconsistent with the lodged DA documents. The DA requests an expansion of Barrio’s licensed area from 279m2 to 696m2. The DA states ‘The application seeks… an expansion… for the purpose of a “licensed restaurant”’. Under the current liquor license alcohol consumption is only permitted indoors.
The DA is not clarifying outside seating numbers. It’s an avenue the developer is using to gain permission for alcohol to be consumed in the outdoor area.
We are astonished by the developer’s claim that the courtyard could hold 1,000 patrons and still comply with noise standards!
The sound tests he referred to showed the noise of just 100 inside patrons was only 5dB below the legal threshold. We’re concerned it’s only a matter of time before another DA seeks to increase patron numbers further.
We are also confused by the developer’s statements about delivery vehicles. He says trucks and vans will now stop in a shielded area farther away from neighbours but the DA indicates vehicles will continue to unload at Barrio’s back door.
This area is just 50m from bedroom windows and Council imposed an 8am starting time on deliveries last year, but Habitat now want to roll this back to 6.30am. This is despite the existence of two loading zones on their site that are out of earshot of our properties.
We urge Council to reject the DA because it will disrupt the fine balance between business activity and neighbourhood amenity.
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