By Vanessa Chircop
THE future of Williamstown’s Bristol Hotel is yet to be determined with Hobsons Bay City Council raising concerns about a community application to add a four storey apartment building to the hotel.
Hobsons Bay Director Planning and Environment Peter Gaschk said the council had concerns with the present application in particularly the impact on traffic and parking.
In 2005 the council did not approve a planning permit application due to the height and size of the proposal.
However owner of the hotel Peter Mitchell took the council to VCAT where the application was approved.
“Approved applications remain active for two years before they lapse, and in this instance the two year period expired,” Mr Gaschk said.
“A further permit was issued with similar conditions to the VCAT approval in 2007.”
Peter Mitchell told Star the situation with council has “become a joke”.
“I’ve owned the pub for 32 years,” he said.
“It’s becoming frustrating – if the permit isn’t approved I’ll knock the hotel over.”
Mr Mitchell said his proposal allows for the hotel to continue operating as a pub and is only four storeys, which he said is as high as the pub.
“The land is worth more than the hotel – it’s 350 square metres,” he said.
Mr Mitchell who has already been made an offer by McDonald’s to buy the hotel believes his proposal will benefit the hotel by restoring it and will also be a benefit for Williamstown.
Mr Gaschk said council would also like to see the hotel restored and continue to operate as a hotel.
“The council does not support the demolition of the hotel building, and any demolition works would require a town planning permit,” he said.
“The council will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that the best outcome is reached for the community.”
