Pub brawl over garden

THE Hobart Planning Committee will look at whether popular North Hobart watering hole Boodle Beasley will be able to continue using its rear garden area, with concerns it could be negatively affecting residential neighbours.

The pub (pictured), located in the general business zone and inner residential zone, was approved to use the garden area for patrons between the hours of 8am and 6pm from Monday to Sunday for one year, but that period lapsed on September 1.

To ensure the business did not “unreasonably impact” neighbouring residences, the venue, including the courtyard, deck and inside the pub, was only allowed to operate between 8am and 12am from Monday to Saturday, and up to 11pm on Sunday.

A new proposal seeks to permanently use the rear garden between 8am and 8pm during daylight savings and 8am-6pm at other times.

But the proposal has been recommended for refusal ahead of Monday’s planning committee meeting, with the council receiving two objections during the advertising period.

Between August 19 and September 2, concerns were raised in relation to noise and security of adjoining properties.

“I feel my personal security is at risk, with intoxicated people coming on to my property at all hours of the night,” one representation said.

“I can no longer entertain friends and family in my garden as the loud music, loud voices, shouting, swearing and smell of cigarette smoke is overwhelmingly intrusive.

“I have had bottles, glasses and rubbish thrown over the fence from Boodle Beasley.”

In its application, planning consultant Ireneinc, acting for Boodle Beasley, said the potential for noise impacts was assessed and it was demonstrated by the temporary operation of the rear garden area that it could be managed to not impact the amenity of the area.

Senior statutory planner Tristan Widdowson concluded the proposal did not satisfy the provisions of the Hobart interim planning scheme and recommended it for refusal.

Meanwhile, more details have been made available about the future of the site of the Waggon & Horses Hotel, which permanently closed in December last year.

Planning approval is being sought for partial demolition, alterations and extensions at the site. “The proposal includes creating a rear courtyard dining space with bar kitchen server and access directly from the function room outside,” Mr Widdowson said in the planning report.

The changes to the site are recommended for approval.