An urgent request from the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce for an extension of time for submissions on the council’s new draft policy for CBD footpath displays and dining chairs and tables has been granted, with the deadline extended to January 17.
Chamber members were unaware of the possible ramifications of the new policy until a letter to the editor from Robyn Faber in Tuesday’s Courier drew attention to the issues.
Mrs Faber, who operates Subway in Maitland Street, said the policy had the potential to have major impacts on many businesses in the shire.
Businesses which want to display goods for sale or set up dining chairs and tables on the CBD footpaths would be affected.
Residents had until tomorrow to comment on the new council draft policy, but after the Chamber sought more time, the deadline was extended until next month.
At Tuesday night’s meeting members expressed alarm at provisions in the draft.
Several expressed the view that the new policy was not supportive of business and questioned the fees payable.
The new draft policy has its origins in 2011 when the then general manager, Mr Phil Marshall, proposed encouragement of alfresco dining in the CBD and use of footpath space for business promotion.
Since then two main street businesses have paid the fees and charges to have furniture on the footpath in Narrabri’s business area, planning director Paul Bawden said.
The new draft policy was designed to upgrade that former policy, to encourage outdoor dining and display of goods in a regulated way.
However, main street business members of the Chamber of Commerce have concerns about the cost and provisions of the draft policy.
They feared a Development Application (DA) would be needed for each use of the footpath.
Terry Miller, proprietor of Watson’s Kitchen said the new policy would mean his business would need to submit a DA each year, at a cost.
“According to the draft, we would also have to put a barricade around our tables and chairs,” Mr Miller said.
“Has anyone used common sense in the approach to this at all?”
He said the new policy could impact on plans for a dynamic Maitland Street.
“We’re supposed to get a more vibrant main street but if they clamp down like this it will just be sterile,” Mr Miller said.
Watson’s Bakery currently pays a fee to the council in return for setting up table and chairs outside the premises.
Mr Miller said any new fees associated with the policy hasn’t yet been outlined, apart from the need to submit an annual DA.
He is also concerned about the amount of space tables and chairs would be allowed to occupy.
“The footpath is only 3.3 metres wide, and 1.8m from the building would have to be clear, and 60cm from the kerb, so that only
allows 90cm.
Narrabri Shire Council is urging anyone with concerns to send submissions to the draft by the new deadline of January 17.