Perth Voice Interactive

PLANS for another small bar on Beaufort Street have been quashed by Vincent councillors but it’s looking like this one will be appealed to the powerful state administrative tribunal.

Vincent staff had recommended approval for the two-storey building and bar at the corner of Chatsworth Street, but mayor John Carey says it’s way too close to houses.

The no-vote was unanimous.

“The key concern from the community has been the opening of the bar on that corner so close to residential homes,” Mr Carey says.

“Anyone with common sense would understand there is an obvious impact of amenity on local residents, so that was a consideration,” along with a smattering of other minor planning considerations like a lack of parking.

Former councillor Dudley Maier lives nearby and told his erstwhile colleagues ahead of the vote another small bar in the area would lead to “the continuing creation of a monoculture on Beaufort Street”. Another resident agreed a bar there would be bad for families in the area.

Architect Patrick Hubble, working for owner A Yozzi, told the council the project would be a “high quality commercial development for dining, alfresco dining, cafe and bar”. It’d have at most 100 patrons at peak times: the extra carbays required by city rules require would make the site resemble a carpark. A Wilson car park is just across the road.

“We’ve taken great pains to minimise the effect on neighbours and add to the tapestry of Beaufort Street,” he said.

“The owners just want the best outcome for that site and to bring some wonderful cuisine to Beaufort Street.”

by DAVID BELL