Concerns are being raised about attempts by a number of new bars recently approved for the stretch of Oxford Street between Flinders and South Dowling Streets to extend their trading hours beyond those permitted under the City of Sydney's Late Night Trading Development Control Plan (DCP). Under the DCP, lower Oxford Street up to Taylor Square is classified as a 'Late Night Management Area' which permits up to 24 hour trading for well managed businesses. Oxford Street beyond Taylor Square is classified as a 'Local Centre Area' with trading permitted up to a maximum of 12 midnight.

Development Applications submitted for new bars at 209, 239 and 215 Oxford Street all included requests for trading hours beyond those permitted in a Local Centre Area. The Council in all 3 cases applied the DCP consistently and granted maximum trading to 12 midnight. However, one of the developments in particular, at 215 Oxford Street, is not giving up and has submitted a new application requesting 2am trading and a significant increase in patron numbers.

The Renewal Application to continue using the outdoor area in Oxford Square has been refused. The existing Footway Licence Agreement has been terminated as at 4 June 2010.

Two new tenants are moving into the former T2 nightclub at Taylor Square.

The College of Fine Arts (COFA) will use the top floor for senior students pursuing drawing and painting disciplines.

The ground floor will be used by Reverse Garbage - a not-for-profit co-operative that sells industrial discards to the public, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.

The Exchange Hotel, at 34-36 Oxford Street Darlinghurst, has lodged a Development Application to modify the conditions of an existing consent for use of the outdoor smoking courtyard. Submissions close on 23 June 2010.

In November 2008, Council granted consent for the hotel to use an 11sqm outdoor courtyard as a smoking area, subject to a number of conditions which included:

• no consumption of beverages (alcoholic or otherwise) AT ANY TIME within the smoking courtyard, and
• a 12 month trial allowing use of the courtyard 7 days a week between 10am and 1am

The restriction on consumption of beverages in the courtyard was originally imposed by Council in order to discourage patrons from using the courtyard for extended periods of time.

The hotel is now seeking consent for:

• consumption of beverages (alcoholic or otherwise) within the smoking courtyard, with the use of plastic containers between 11pm and 1am, and
• permanent use of the courtyard 7 days a week between 10am and 1am

Council recently refused the Columbian's application for a further 5-year trial of 24-hour trading (see earlier post). The matter is now the subject of an appeal to the Land and Environment Court, to be held on 5-7 October 2010.

Residents have an opportunity to attend the hearing and provide further information to the Commissioner. If you'd like to know how you can get involved, please email us at contact@hpcvoice.com.