Terrace extended for expanded bar area
The licensed area of a Warragul café and wine bar will be extended after Baw Baw Shire Council approved a planning permit application.
Council has approved plans by Bank Coffee House and Wine Bar in Smith St to extend the existing terrace at the back of the building and increase the licensed area where alcohol can be served.
Shire planning officers said the proposed additions to the existing terrace area are located at the back of the building and would have little impact on the heritage significance of the building.
The application sought to extend the terrace area on the first floor. The buildings and works include a 15.8 metre by 5.9 metre terrace extension; and, new stairs and lift from the ground floor courtyard to the new terrace area.
There was no proposal to change trading hours or the number of patrons allowed in the building.
A report to council said the building was constructed in 1939 and was of local heritage significance.
The existing tavern is located on the ground floor with an outdoor area to the back of the building.
Planning officers recommended council approve the application, saying the proposal was consistent with planning policy and suitable in the commercial zone.
Officers said the proposal to increase the area for alcohol consumption was unlikely to cause additional loss of amenity to the area.
Officers also said the terrace works were likely to “activate the Club Lane and improve passive surveillance of the laneway which will increase the perception of security and safety.”
There were no objections to the proposal.
Cr Mikaela Power said there had been no objections to this application despite it sometimes being a contentious issue.
She said this was a well thought out application. She said the new area would enable the laneway to be overlooked by patrons and would be therefore safer.
Cr Power said this was not a replacement for the loss of The Sporty as a night venue in Warragul because it would cater for a different market being a wine bar and function area.
Cr Danny Goss said this application would enable the terrace and licensed area to be extended.
“It is great to see a business expanding. It is a well known local building and a heritage listed building but this will have no impact on te heritage listing.
“This will provide another alternative to Warragul’s bars and restaurants and might add to the café culture in this area,” he said.
Cr Michael Leaney said this showed there was a real life in the Warragul central business district and showed people were willing to invest in the town.
“When people move to a location, they don’t just want education for kids, they want a lifestyle.
“The upstairs alfresco area will be a popular area on a warm summer’s night and also on a cold winter’s night with the heaters going,” he said.