Get Involved: DA - Exchange Hotel - Change use of outdoor courtyard (D/2008/1694/A)

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

The applicant states in the Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with the application that:

  • "...consumption of beverages should be permitted within the smoking room as a consequence of the ongoing display of appropriate behaviour from patrons over the past 18 months"
  • since the "...smoking room is fully enclosed at each side with the opening available above the area in lieu of a roof... it would not be possible for containers to be dropped onto adjoining property or to pose any threat to the neighbours or general public"
  • ... the site and surrounding built and natural environments will remain appropriately and positively impacted by the development"
  • "The modifications requested would have no virtually environmental impact"

What you can do

  • Familiarise yourself with the details of the application. There are links to the supporting documents submitted by the applicant located at the bottom of this page.
  • Let Council know what you think by making a submission before 23 June 2010. Email your submission to Anthea Kalodikis, the Council planning officer managing this application. You can read the Council’s guidelines on making submissions here.
  • Forward a link to this website to others and encourage them to have their say.
  • If you haven’t already, sign up here to receive email updates on this matter, and others that impact this locality.

Further information...