Hotel plans “all Whites”

Karen Hart
A PROMINENT Torquay bed and breakfast is set to become a residential hotel despite objections from residents.
Surf Coast Shire this week issued a notice of intention to grant a permit to Whites Beach bed and breakfast co-owner Julian Sweeney to change the use of the three-storey former home of a Malaysian dignitary to a residential hotel pending the applicant meeting a range of conditions.
Mr Sweeney said he needed the permit to cater for more guests following a rise in Torquay tourism.
The bed and breakfast catered for six guests but the change of classification to a residential hotel would allow Mr Sweeney to accommodate up to 18 tourists.
“I have no intention of developing the site or installing gambling machines or obtaining an alcohol licence,” Mr Sweeney said.
“Nothing else will change, just the number of guests staying at the site.”
Surf Coast Council received four objections from residents concerned about loss of privacy, increased noise, parking and activities common to larger hotels such as live music, sale of alcohol from a bar and gambling machines.
Neighbour and former Surf Coast mayor Noel Bates said he was concerned about the intention of future owners who, if the property was sold, could use the hotel classification to introduce gambling machines and a bar.
Officers have recommended a notice of intention to grant a permit for the hotel.