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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Michael Parris

Newcastle council staff back Merewether brewpub, Warabrook pet crematorium

UP FOR APPROVAL: Modus Operandi's brewpub in Mona Vale. The company has won council staff support for a similar venture in Merewether Street, opposite Lingard Hospital.

Newcastle council staff have recommended approval for two contentious developments, a brewpub in Merewether and a pet crematorium in Warabrook.

The council's development applications committee will vote on Tuesday night on the two proposals, both of which attracted strong neighbourhood opposition.

The proposed Modus Operandi microbrewery and "artisan food and drink premises" opposite Lingard Hospital would serve up to 297 patrons until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays and up to 200 customers until 11pm the rest of the week.

Nearby residents lodged 39 submissions raising issues around noise, anti-social behaviour, air quality, traffic, parking, the number of licensed premises in the area and the business's proposed hours of operation.

One of the proposed council conditions on the venue's operation would limit its outdoor area to a 10pm closing time every night to reduce noise, cutting the brewpub's capacity to 147 after that hour.

The staff report said the business could generate demand for up to 80 parking spaces which could be accommodated in its proposed six-space car park and in surrounding streets.

The report dismissed concerns about potential odours from the brewery.

The Merewether-based owners of the Modus Operandi brewery business, Grant and Jaz Wearin, run a similar venue in the northern Sydney suburb of Mona Vale.

The Merewether brewery would offer public tastings, tours, workshops and special events in addition to its standard food and drink fare.

The owners pitched the brewpub as a tourist attraction during a public voice session in June.

Council officers have also recommended the development applications committee approve plans to convert a Warabrook industrial building into a pet crematorium over the objections of neighbours.

OPPOSITION: Leanne Lowe and fellow neighbours outside the site of the proposed pet crematorium at Warabrook. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The proposal, from Queensland company Pet Angel Funerals, attracted 133 submissions from residents concerned mostly about emissions from the business's three cremators, one of which burns at 1000 degrees.

If approved, the business would cremate about 30 to 40 cats and dogs every weekday from 7am to 5pm. It would store animals in a cool room for up to 48 hours before they were cremated.

A consultant's air-quality analysis prepared for the proponent listed 19 pollutants associated with the crematorium but assessed that emissions would fall within EPA-approved guidelines.

The council report concludes that the crematorium "does not pose any unreasonable amenity impact to the adjoining properties" and will meet air-emissions criteria.

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