By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
NEIGHBOURS potentially face “sleep disturbance“ from a function centre hosting weddings and parties at a Newtown college, according to a planning permit application.
But Sacred Heart’s application to change its food technology building into a function centre with a liquor licence also includes noise-limiting features to minimise the impact on nearby residents.
The college said it was already using the 173-square-metre builiding – with three kitchens and a 120-seat dining room – for school events but wanted it also available for hire.
The application to City Hall proposed that the venue would operate until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm Mondays to Thursdays and 9pm Sundays.
“Activities occurring on-site during the night-time period have the potential to cause sleep disturbance for the nearby residents,” the application said.
“These include activities associated with patrons’ use of the facility, such as vehicle movements in car parks, and conversation and laughter.”
The application proposed installation and calibration of a noise-limiter system for music and screens on an outdoor deck for up to 70 patrons to keep noise to acceptable levels.
The application said the college had applied to Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation for a restaurant and cafe liquor licence.
The centre would be unavailable for external hire during the school day, on public holidays or from the middle of December until the second week of January.
Sacred Heart director of development Kath Walsh said the function centre would be used in conjunction with the college’s trade training centre where students studied hospitality.
She said it would act as a training restaurant similar to Gordon Institute of TAFE’s Davidson Restaurant and Café on Track.
The centre would host “low-key” events, lunches and dinners as well as school functions, Ms Walsh said.
