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