By MEGAN OGLE
HOTSPOT Village Bicycle was once again on the agenda as councillors debated noise complaints and trading hours.
The local restaurant, which is popular with hospitality workers, has been a hot topic since residents bordering the commercial area lodged complaints with Noosa Council about noise from the venue.
In a report tabled at the Planning and Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday 7 June staff recommended that councillors approve the application for a Material Change of Use in accordance with 16 conditions targeting the issue of noise.
The conditions include a limit on patrons and a restriction on the use of the outdoor dining area after 10pm as well as the erection of a 2.6 metre tall acoustic fence and native screening shrubs.
Mayor Tony Wellington said the issue was a “curly” one and would possibly set a precedent for future issues.
“This is a real conundrum. On the one hand there is a recommendation for an acoustic fence at 2.6m that exceeds the height limits of fencing generally, we have a request for opening hours that exceed the outdoor dining and drinking conditions on premises elsewhere.
“But we also have a business that has found a niche market for late night trading,” Cr Wellington said.
“So, the question is whether we should be supporting the business initiative or sticking to our regular conditions that help protect the amenity of nearby residents.”
The recommendations will go before councillors at the next General Meeting on Monday 13 June for further discussion after Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie raised concerns over the restriction of trading hours and height of the acoustic fence.
