Plans for a controversial ‘glass box’ have been replaced by a smaller hipped-roof extension in the latest development application (DA) submitted for the Byng Street Local Store.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
According to the amended DA, which is now on public exhibition at Orange City Council, the revised design would be more in keeping with the existing cafe and neighbouring houses.
Byng Street Local Store director Jeremy Norris said the previous plan, which was opposed by nearby residents, had been described as “glass bus stop.”
He said he was hopeful the modified plans would satisfy the previous opponents and be approved by council.
“A lot of the local residents weren’t happy with it,” he said.
“We’ve bent over backwards to keep people happy. We’ve accommodated everyone’s suggestions.
We’ve bent over backwards to keep people happy. We’ve accommodated everyone’s suggestions.
- Byng Street Local Store director Jeremy Norris
“I’m hopeful, it’s been a two-year process.”
The new plan will still involve the demolition of the garage and several trees, including a silver birch on Clinton Street.
He said he did not believe the tree felling would be an issue for council, and a smaller replacement is planned for the site.
Mr Norris said the latest plan retained the existing maximum of 69 customers.
“We are bringing the outside in so we can accommodate everyone inside,” he said.
Mr Norris said the store and cafe played an important role for tourism in Orange.
“Byng Street is a very busy cafe, I think it is good for Orange,” he said.
The DA is on display until Friday, August 31 and, if approved, will see the removal of the premise’s existing garage.
“In its place the pavilion will make a positive contribution to improved building form and finish, and its engagement with the street,” it read.
The proposal will enable all-weather use of the outdoor seating area, included a revised coffee window and improving the service and storage area, which is currently in the garage.
The DA also stated the modifications would improve the look and reduce noise for nearby residents.
AN ONGOING SAGA ...
“The enclosure of the current external seating area will improve noise impacts,” it read.
“People sitting on the current deck in the open talking will create noise. The pavilion will reduce that noise.”
The business’s hours of operation will stay the same.
The site was approved by council as a shop in 2012 before its popularity for coffee led to an application for approval as a cafe and store.
Council staff will consider any public submissions before deciding whether to approve the plan or forward it to the council for a decision.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- You can now receive headlines and story links from the Central Western Daily delivered straight to your inbox at 6am six days a week, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up here