Paul Bibby
The developer behind plans to build a 40-seat restaurant next to Scarrabelotti’s lookout has amended the proposal in a bid to get the green light from Byron Shire Council.
And the revised plan has been given a head start, with council planning staff recommending that it be approved.
Situated at one of the most scenic spots in the Byron Bay hinterland, the proposed restaurant would be open during the day from Wednesday to Sunday and feature 180-degree views from the Byron lighthouse to Mount Chincogan.
A number of nearby residents have opposed the development on the grounds that it would diminish the experience of going to the lookout for tourists and locals alike, by impacting on the view and creating more traffic.
They also argued that using part of the lookout area for restaurant parking – which was contained in the first iteration of the plan – was completely inappropriate because this land was donated by the Scarrabelotti family for community use.
At the May planning meeting, a bare majority of councillors voted to defer making a decision on the proposal so that the applicant and Council staff could come up with an amended car parking plan.
They made no mention in their motion of the other concerns in relation to the proposal.
Since then, the applicant has submitted amended plans for the site so that the required car parking is now located on the restaurant site rather than within the lookout area.
It has also offered to undertake further works on the site including an upgrade to the entrance at Coolamon Scenic Drive, landscaping and further planting work, a new sheltered area with paving, and informal parking for lookout visitors.
This amended plan with come back before Council at tomorrow’s planning meeting.
‘These additional works are not required to satisfy the development requirements for the restaurant,’ the Council planner responsible for the proposal, Nancy Tarlao said.
‘However, they will potentially benefit to the community and provide uplift to the current Scarrabelotti’s Lookout arrangements.
‘Conditions of consent are recommended requiring these works be completed as part of the development.’
Ms Tarlao recommended approval of the development subject to Conditions of Consent.
ENDS
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