DUNGOG Shire Council has approved a $6.02 million development application to construct and operate a new bar, restaurant and function centre at 29–35 Grey Street, Clarence Town.
The proposal, lodged in February 2025, was brought before Council due to its high estimated development cost and the number of public submissions received.
Twelve submissions were lodged, with ten in objection and two in support, primarily raising concerns around flooding, parking, access and stormwater management.
Council determined that these matters had been satisfactorily addressed through the assessment process and the inclusion of specific conditions of consent.
The development will feature a restaurant and bar with seating for around 60 patrons, complemented by a function centre capable of hosting approximately 200 guests.
Facilities will include a commercial kitchen, back-of-house amenities, landscaped areas, and two car parks providing a total of 57 spaces.
Operating hours will be from midday to midnight, seven days a week.
The site is zoned E1 Local Centre under the Dungog Local Environmental Plan 2014, with food and drink premises and function centres identified as permissible uses.
“The site’s heritage and flood-prone characteristics were carefully considered during assessment, with measures included to manage stormwater, protect the catchment and respect the Clarence Town Heritage Conservation Area,” Council said in a statement.
“External agencies were consulted during the process, including NSW Police who raised no objections, and Hunter Water who supported the development subject to conditions requiring revised landscape and stormwater plans.”
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