Old pub faces new bar

Now the Britannia site has become the source of a new conflict with nearby residents concerned that a recent development proposal will restrict their privacy and cause unreasonable noise pollution.

The proposal includes plans for a roof terrace, deck and smoking area which would have a combined maximum capacity of 85 on top of any indoor patrons. An acoustic report in the application states that the terrace would be managed after 8pm to keep noise to a minimum by closing a metal roof and bi-fold doors.

Nearby resident Steve Wilson said the hotel has been the occasional venue of loud, private parties ending in the early hours of the morning in recent months and that the noise levels will be even higher with an open courtyard.

Another local, Rosemary Fisher, said the report merely pays lip service to residents’ concerns. “That noise is going to be projected towards the residents in Vine Street, Thomas Street and Boundary Street. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been quite unhappy about it,” she said. “We’re a family with young children so we’re not keen on noise until midnight every night.”

Residents also believe the terrace would overlook their gardens and private courtyards.

Josh Mackenzie, spokesperson for the City of Sydney, said there have been 12 objections raised to the proposal and that it had not been decided whether to leave the DA for an internal staff decision or to put it before Council.

Labor Deputy Lord Mayor Tony Pooley, who has not seen the proposal, said the area was “heavily residential” and hoped the Britannia’s owners had adequately sought to minimise noise.

Greens Councillor Chris Harris said that it was up to hotel owners to take proper steps to ensure residents aren’t negatively affected by new developments. “They need to spend the money and if they’re not willing to do that I’ll vote against it every time,” he said.

Photo: Ali Blogg - Britannia Hotel, recently known as the Darlington

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au