Perth, Western Australia May 10, 2008 Home News Time Out Letters Write a Letter Special Coverage Walsham Classifieds Search Real Estate Trades & Services Submit About Contact Us Advertising Legal	Party town? No thank you Big plans to rebuild and expand the Indiana restaurant hit a barrier at Cottesloe council with a councillor declaring: "We don't want to become party town." Issues raised included parking, public toilets and the building spreading beyond its current "footprint". The operators want to rearrange the building in two stages, aiming to increase the number of customers from 240 to 350. But so many issues were raised this week that the council deferred a decision, aiming to negotiate with the operators, led by Chris Taylor, operator of Fraser's in King's Park and the Bluewater Grill. Stage 1, which they want done before next summer, would include expanding the restaurant east towards Marine Parade, enclosing part of the restaurant for a function area and moving the kitchen and bar. Stage 2 would include a separate toilet building. Mayor Kevin Morgan said: "I'm not aware of anyone on this council proposing to change the policy that there should be no new building west of Marine Parade. "It is probably a matter for a comprehensive report addressing issues raised by our committee and SOS Cottesloe. "I'm sure the operators appreciate this is an icon to this town, WA and Australia." Councillor John Utting said: "This should never have been submitted to us. The council has a policy of no development west of Marine Parade. "This seems to be a contradiction with this policy. "I would say the staff were wrong and the committee wrong last week to bring anything like this forward." Councillor Pat Carmichael said: "I know that functions are the money-making areas of business, but we have to look at the amenity to the public. "We don't want to become 'party town'. "We are trying to restrict the hotels. The beachfront is also a residential neighbourhood. "I live at 116 Marine Parade and that and another property nearby are predominantly residential." Earlier, Fulvio Prainito, who lives opposite the Indiana, told the council: "Will these changes enable me to sleep at night? I am not opposed to this development. I'm only asking to keep noise down. "Noise from the Cottesloe Hotel nearby should be a warning, not an excuse. I agree that the $3.5 million for cash-in-lieu of parking should be waived, but could the operators be asked to pay for actively monitored CCTV? "An extra 130 people will be spilling out at midnight in front of my place. "Some people would argue that it would be better to open for breakfast than aim for huge party crowds." Chris Wiggins, president of SOS Cottesloe, said the Indiana had to provide a range of amenities for the public, not just fine dining. He said: "This is an attractive building, downgraded already, and the proposal downgrades it further. It should have a good kiosk, playground and public toilets. "The kiosk has been downgraded, the playground has disappeared and the toilets are not adequately maintained. "I have some sympathy for the operator, but the entire lease needs to be reviewed to restore amenities to all the beach users." Councillor Victor Strzina said the council had to listen to community concerns. The building needed to be fully functional and the lessees have the opportunity to work well in their business.   Do you have something to say? Write to us and we may publish your letter next week. BACK TO TOP < PREVIOUS - HOME - NEXT> Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Post Newspapers Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.