A proposal to add a three-storey, 37-room hotel to a beloved Freshwater pub has been met with a flood of objections from residents.
The Harbord Hotel, affectionately known as the “Harbord Hilton,” applied to the Northern Beaches Council to modify local planning rules, allowing the construction of the new accommodation wing in the pub’s rear carpark. This move has triggered significant pushback from the community, with approximately 110 submissions opposing the development lodged with the council.
Residents have voiced concerns about the potential impact on the iconic art deco pub’s character, which opened its doors in 1928. Some submissions described the proposed design as overwhelming and out of scale with the existing building. Others expressed worry that a hotel of this size is unsuitable for a primarily residential area.
Concerns over increased traffic congestion, parking issues, and noise levels were also raised. One resident, Mark Messenger, argued that the area already struggles with limited infrastructure and that adding a hotel would exacerbate these problems. He suggested that nearby Manly offered sufficient accommodation options for visitors to the region.
Another resident, Pamela Bray, anticipated that the construction and operation of such a large complex would disrupt the peace and comfort of nearby residents. Angus and Katherine Cameron echoed these sentiments, stating that the proposed structure’s size and bulk did not align with the heritage nature of the existing hotel.
Hotel owner and Epochal Hotels chief executive Glenn Piper, who acquired the property in December 2019, aims to amend the Warringah Local Environmental Plan to permit hotel accommodation at the site. Mr Piper highlights his commitment to preserving the pub’s legacy and states the proposed development would include a swimming pool, gym, and basement parking with 72 spaces.
Mr Piper emphasised that the hotel historically offered accommodation and continues to receive frequent inquiries about room availability. He believes adding a hotel would revitalise the pub and provide much-needed short-term accommodation in the area, boosting the local economy.
A planning proposal report accompanying the application asserted that hotel accommodation could be integrated into the site without negatively affecting the building’s heritage significance, the streetscape, or the amenities of neighbouring properties.
The Northern Beaches Council will now determine whether the proposal should be progressed to NSW Planning for further evaluation. If it proceeds, NSW Planning will advise the Planning Minister, who will decide on the application.
Published Date 01-November-2024
