Tavern proposal divides Willow Grove community

A Willow Grove restaurant will change its use to a tavern in a move that will enable the business to accommodate more patrons and secure its viability.

Baw Baw Shire Council heard from licensee Simon Duck that the future of his business was at risk if the current planning status of his restaurant The Duck Inn could not be changed to a tavern.

But, council also heard from several objectors to the proposal, largely because of car parking problems at the front of the MoeWillow Grove Rd premises.

The business will now be able to have 130 patrons on the premises at one time, but will not be allowed to have amplified music and bands perform at the venue.

While planners said the increased number of permitted patrons was acceptable, changing the use of the land from a restaurant to a tavern was not acceptable because of its interface with residential properties.

“Patrons attending a restaurant are more likely to be going to the premises for a meal, in comparison to those going to a tavern where the serving of liquor becomes the predominant activity which raises issues of patron behaviour.

“It also raises the expectation of entertainment occurring which unless properly managed will have a detrimental impact on the nearby residential properties,” planners said.

However, council agreed to the change in use, with a number of conditions relating to the number of patrons, increased parking and prohibiting amplified music.

The report said Mr Duck provided a revised car park layout which showed an additional four spaces on site, resulting in a total of 44 car spaces.

There were eight objections and 16 letters of support presented to council. Eight people also addressed council and a number of letters were read out to last week’s council meeting.

The main area of concern was the impact on the availability of car parking, particularly in front of the general store and public hall; and, road safety issues with vehicles parking on Moe-Willow Grove Rd. Mr Duck told council his business had worked hard to be a “good neighbour” in the community and sponsored and supported many clubs and organisations in the town.

He said he employed 18 staff and needed an amended planning permit to ensure the viability of his business.

“Without the changes I am in doubt this business will proceed.

Mr Duck said staff encouraged patrons to park at the back of the restaurant.

Lynda Earl told council the “Duck Inn is an intricate part of our community.

“As a local all my life, I feel the town and the whole community needs this business. If it is not reclassified then sadly it may close,” she said.

Objector Wayne Newton said he had lived in the Willow Grove area for 30 years and had never seen anything divide the community like this proposal.

He alleged the restaurant was already operating with serious breaches of its planning permit.

“To operate it as a pub would allow the focus to change to drinking,” he said.

Michelle Lodge, who is co-owner of the general store, said they had several car parking issues because restaurant patrons parked out the front instead of behind the restaurant.

“We’ve had arguments out the front between our patrons and restaurant patrons about parking. This parking issue is detrimental to our business,” she said.

Council approved the change in use, with some conditions on the permit.

Cr Michael Leaney said the change in use to a tavern with permit conditions was a good mix while enabling increased patrons to make it more viable.

He said it allowed people to go in and have a drink without a meal but it won’t enable the venue to become a pub because live music (amplified) will not be allowed.

Cr Leaney said there was an opportunity to create more parking and council could discuss some options with Vic Roads.

“The key thing with this is for small communities to survive, we need fundamental businesses that work,” Cr Leaney said.