Calderwood Tavern Makes Second Attempt to Secure Late-Night Trading Approval
The owners of Calderwood's Plough and Ale have launched a renewed effort to extend their pub's operating hours, submitting a fresh development application to Shellharbour City Council. This marks the second time the establishment has sought permission to stay open later, with the new proposal aiming for a 3am closing time from Monday to Saturday and midnight on Sundays.
Previous Application Deemed Premature by Council
The tavern, which opened in mid-2022, had initially applied for extended hours even before serving its first beer. Council assessment reports at the time described this early request as "inappropriate" given the ongoing development of the surrounding Calderwood residential area.
Council documents stated: "The emerging Calderwood development in proximity to the tavern provides for an unknown quantifiable metric in the first instance. To have a trial period of up to 12 months for 3am closing time has the ability to impact on those existing residential development areas in proximity to the tavern, and future residential receivers."
While not opposed to considering an extension in principle, the council indicated it would be more appropriate to review such applications once neighbouring residential developments were completed.
New Proposal Includes Noise Mitigation Measures
The current application, which remains on public exhibition until February 19, proposes extending Sunday trading from the current 10pm closing to midnight, while other days would shift from midnight to 3am. The submission argues that these modifications would allow the venue to operate according to "the needs of the end users" without adversely affecting surrounding areas.
Key elements of the new application include:
- An acoustic study identifying measures to mitigate potential noise impacts
- Assurances that the proposal won't create significant environmental impacts
- Claims that extended hours won't affect the amenity of adjoining properties
The application states: "The proposal, as modified, would not exhibit any significant environmental impacts and will not adversely impact on the amenity or operations of any adjoining sites."
Community Consultation Period Now Open
With the development application now publicly available for community feedback until mid-February, local residents and stakeholders have an opportunity to voice their opinions about the proposed extended trading hours. The outcome will depend on whether council planners believe the timing is now appropriate, given the progress of Calderwood's residential development since the pub's initial opening.
This renewed bid represents a significant test case for late-night hospitality in growing suburban areas, balancing business needs against residential amenity concerns in developing communities.
