Hotel owner seeks approval for 'urgent' works

The owner of the Patonga Beach Hotel has lodged an application with the Central Coast Council to make alterations and additions to the ground floor of the hotel and takeaway shop.

The capital investment value of the proposal is $624,142 and the owner, the Boathouse Group, has described the proposed works as "urgent".

The Group has conducted its own consultation with the community through the Patonga Progress Association and altered its plans in response to community feedback in February.

"The venue urgently needs to upgrade its facilities, as the existing buildings are out-dated, poor quality and have limitations on flexibility, accessibility and amenity," documents sent to Council said.

"At present the existing facilities do not comply with the Building Code of Australia or the Australian or New Zealand Food Standards Code."

The application describes temporary structures located on site as "unsightly" and "not suitable for the long-term operational needs of the premise".

The latest application follows the approval of a Complying Development Certificate in December for the refit of the takeaway shop kitchen and service counters, relocation of the kitchen, back of house areas and service counters within the hotel.

Those works commenced in February.

The proposed works under the new application were unable to be carried out as a complying development because they created additional gross floor area and minor external alterations, according to the developer.

The new owner wanted to build new stairs and access off Patonga Dr to the dwelling above the hotel to replace internal and external stairs at the north end of the building, which are to be demolished.

An existing laundry room is to be demolished and new sanitary facilities constructed to the rear of the takeaway shop.

An extension to the corner of the hotel outside the kitchen servery is proposed to enable improved circulation and internal access to new amenities.

The Boathouse Group has proposed removal of selected internal walls and creation of new opening (bi-fold doors) and new glass louvres within existing window frames.

The waste storage area is to be reconfigured, air conditioning units relocated and the kitchen exhaust replaced with new and relocated mechanical ventilation.

New service doors and highlight windows will also be created.

External works include extending the existing raised timber deck over the eastern portion of the outdoor seating area and new steps within the Patonga Dr frontage.

New landscaping, a water feature, new landscape planters and fixed furniture items are to be installed within the outdoor area.

An existing marquee is to be removed and a new fixed glass roof installed beyond the new southern building enclosure line.

A new operable roof is proposed over a portion of the central outdoor seating area and south-western deck to improve weather protection.

The proposal will see the retention of "all significant vegetation on site including three Norfolk Pine Trees", according to the owner.

Documents submitted to Council also specify it does not include any new signage, changes to the current use and operation of the ground floor hotel and takeaway shop or changes to the first floor of the site which currently comprises two separate residential dwellings.

"The form, use and operation of the first floor is to remain unchanged," the owner's application to Council said.

According to the owner's application, the current facilities do not fully comply with the access provisions of the BCA or the Disability Discrimination Act.

"Some of the buildings do not meet Standard 3.2.3 of the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code under the Food Act 2003 and AS 4674 Design, Construction and Fitout of a Food Premises.

"Building services are out-dated and are not fitted with energy efficient services.

"Internal spaces are inadequately designed, resulting in a venue that functions poorly

"External spaces adjacent and between the two buildings lack amenity and the building fabric has poor thermal properties which impacts on the comfort and amenity of the diners.

"The proposal is therefore critical for the long-term viability of the venue," the application said.

The owner's vision for the site is "to provide a diverse food and beverage offer both locals and visitors of Patonga.

"Given the importance of the site; as a beautiful, secluded, environmentally and historically significant meeting place, The Boathouse Group wants to deliver a venue which is inviting, relaxed, and easily accessed, by the local community and visitors.

"The Boathouse brand has a local community and eco-focus, with the aim to create a business that has a positive impact on the area and environment.

"To deliver that aim, the Boathouse Group will adopt the following measures to ensure the premise operates in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner: focus on the provision of high quality food and beverages in a relaxed and welcoming setting; provision of alternate modes of transport for patrons (such as a ferry service from Palm Beach and shuttle bus from Ettalong Wharf), to reduce reliance on private vehicles; installation of a generator on site, to ensure power can be delivered to the site at all times, whilst also providing residents in the area a place of respite during these times; re-instate the general store within the refurbished takeaway shop with every day food items to be sold, to the local community."

The owner has also promised that cardboard and foam boxes will not be used, instead the Boathouse Group will invest in recycled plastic created.

A pre-DA meeting was held with Council in December and Mr Andrew Goldsmith from The Boathouse Group provided copies of the proposed plans to the Progress Association for distribution to their mailing list.

"As part of that distribution, the Boathouse Group asked for feedback and comments, including any concerns the community may have about the proposal," the application said.

"In early February, the proposal was presented to the Progress Association, and in response to community feedback changes were made to the scheme.

"Overall the community has been generally supportive of the change and improvement to the venue and are looking forward to a more positive relationship with the site and its operators.

"As Patonga is such a small community, the Boathouse Group will continue to view everyone as its neighbours and will continue to actively engage the community with all future proposals."

As part of the site's overall refurbishment and operation, the Boathouse Group will seek to introduce green transport initiatives in 2018 to make the Patonga Beach Hotel more accessible and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The Boathouse Bus will be a regular bus service starting at Ettalong Wharf with a few stops along the way.

The free service will run seven days per week with more frequency on weekends and during holiday periods.

The Boathouse Group will also continue to operate a smaller courtesy vehicle which will transport patrons outside these times and continue their trip over to Pearl Beach on request.

The Boathouse Group will have a 25-person water taxi in service by Spring.

This will travel directly between their other venue at Palm Beach (located in Governor Phillip Park).

This will also provide transport for some staff, who currently travel daily from Palm Beach to Patonga.

The current operator of the Palm Beach to Patonga ferry service is also aiming to add another boat to their fleet.

SOURCE:

Gosford DA Tracker, 5 Apr 2018

DA53935/2018, Central Coast Council