Attendees:

Simon Johnston – CEO Feros Group

David Stubbs – Part-owner of Hotel

James Phillips – Heritage consultant

Stuart Coughlan – Secretary Berry Forum

Laurie Watson – Treasurer Berry Forum

Judith Ball – Berry Historical Society

Megan Pikett – Residents coordinator

Lee Saunders – President Chamber of Commerce

Jane Curran – Vice-President Chamber of Commerce

Joel de Freitas – President Berry Rotary

Rick Gainford – Berry Alliance

Greg Townley – Uptown Initiative 

 

Process

  • Simon advised that Feros had engaged with Council in an early-stage meeting to discuss their draft plans and did not want to return to the LEC.
  • There are currently 259 seat and room for 30 standing. The total licensed capacity would increase to 389.
  • We advised Simon that there had been no community engagement with the previous DA, and he committed to working openly and constructively with the community this time. He sought feedback and was receptive.
  • Simon stated that all the previous studies, such as the parking and acoustics reports, would be repeated using the same methodology as before.

Parking

  • Megan advised that on Mondays, Fridays, weekends and school holidays there were severe traffic and parking issues in Prince Alfred Street, and that the residents believed the Feros parking report projections for future parking availability bore no resemblance to reality.
  • Megan also advised that an increase in traffic in Princess St would be dangerous, exacerbated by the fact it is a narrow street with parking on both sides and no footpaths, so pedestrians, motorised mobility devices, people with prams or strollers etc often walk on the road.
  • Stuart informed Simon that the methodology used by their traffic consultants was convoluted and contrived, and that the three surveys they had been conducted had produced erratic and contradictory results.
  • To determine the number of carpark spaces required, the peak number of patrons driving to the Hotel was used, based on the average of 23% from the three surveys. The peak number of 33 patrons was then used to concoct a ratio of one car space per additional 20sqm of Licensed Floor Area. This results in a proposed total of just 26 car spaces for the new development.
  • To determine the correct estimate however, the 23% average should be applied to the capacity of 389 patrons. This results in a requirement for 90 spaces and a shortfall of 64 spaces.
  • Simon committed to reviewing the validity of the parking methodology.
  • David Stubbs advised that Uber were seeking drivers for the Kiama, Berry and Shoalhaven Heads area. Simon advised that Feros might commit to a courtesy bus for weekends, and Lees suggested that maybe the Hotel, the Bolo and other venues might join together to organise one.

Heritage

James Phillips acknowledged that the recent proposal had removed too much of the heritage fabric of the hotel and advised that –

  • an understanding of original configuration of rooms is to be maintained
  • the eastern wall of the Hotel is to be cleaned up and separated from the new building with a glazed link
  • a Conservation Management Plan and Schedule of Conservation Works are to be prepared

 

Other Issues

  • Megan asked whether any of the 14 existing rooms on the first floor could be used for accommodation so that the proposed accommodation block could be reduced in size and more parking spaces provided.
  • Judith questioned the garbage collection process in the carpark and the intention to route all deliveries via the Kangaroo Valley Rd roundabout and along Queen Street.
  • Megan questioned whether any more poker machines would be installed in the Pub. Simon said no and that they considered there would be very little demand.
  • Stuart advised that the Plan of Management appeared to be just a copy and paste document which did not consider the town’s very quiet heritage setting and the close proximity of residents in Prince Alfred Street.
  • Laurie asked whether the new Australian Standard for the width of parking spaces would be complied with, and Simon stated they would be 2.6 metres wide.
  • Laurie also raised the issue of stormwater runoff from the carpark area, given the recent significant flooding events. Simon committed to having the plans for the capacity of retention tanks reviewed.
  • The rooms in the new accommodation block will be serviced by staff from the Berry View Motel.

 

Next Steps

  • Simon committed to providing responses on all the issues raised and further consultation with the group to reach agreement on changes to the draft plans.
  • A community engagement plan will be agreed.
  • A DA will not be lodged with Council until the above matters have been resolved.