Mt White restaurant Saddles is looking for Council permission to expand by adding tourist attractions and accommodation across the road.
The Planning Proposal seeks to allow Saddles Restaurant, the main tourist attraction of the site at 20 Ashbrookes Rd, to operate as an Additional Permitted Use (APU) under the zoning rather than its current ancillary use to Saddles Garden Centre.
It also seeks APUs of restaurant, small bar, day spa and hotel or motel accommodation to provide tourist accommodation across the road at 231 Pacific Highway, Mount White, which used to be petrol station.
By 1965, the petrol station was converted into the Hawkesbury Inn.
On 2 July 2021, Council granted permission to demolish and the site is now vacant.
No additional works are proposed to Saddles Restaurant.
No impacts are expected on adjoining rural living/ primary production use along the northern boundary or adjoining horse stables
Council sought advice from the Local Planning Panel which considered the proposal on August 8.
The development will involve the removal of an estimated 0.26 Ha of native vegetation which is below the threshold for requiring a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR), the report to the LPP said.
Gosford Quarries, a sandstone quarry of regional significance, is about one kilometre away, and won’t be impacted, the report stated.
The LPP had no objection to the Planning Proposal proceeding, subject to a few suggestions.
These included that a draft Clause that incorporates specific Development Standards for:
The size of each component of the proposed development, in relation to square metres and capacity, and the height in metres above existing ground level.
“The Panel suggests no more than the limit of a 2 storey structure would be appropriate,” the panel said.
It also suggested a Visual Impact Analysis should be prepared prior to exhibition to inform a Development Control Plan (DCP), including recommending design principles to achieve an attractive development, addressing views from the Old Pacific Highway and any public viewpoint and street frontage.
The panel also wants the DCP to address the building envelope • noise • lighting • access • parking • tree retention • biodiversity impacts • protection of riparian zone • pedestrian connection between the two sites and the use of sustainable materials compatible to the bushland environment
“Council’s Strategic Assessment should include a more comprehensive strategic assessment of the following, against the relevant strategic directions: • Land use conflicts • Protection of Agricultural land • Flooding,” the panel said.
The Council will consider the matter at the August 23 meeting with a recommendation to proceed to a gateway determination and to undertake community and public authority consultation in accordance with the Gateway requirements.
In other words, this is the start of the process that could take months or even years.
“The Planning Proposal will permit a number of additional tourism related uses to occur which will expand rural tourism opportunities on the Central Coast,” the staff recommendation says.
“The Planning Proposal provides long-term local employment for the area and strengthens the operation of the ‘Saddles Restaurant.”
We need more quality developments like this that don’t negatively impact the community.
I much better than trying to get approved 6 story buildings that border R1 zones which is what is happening in Ettalong.
If it doesn’t annoy the Cattle let’s do it. 🦌🐢🦭