Gleebooks: Plans for late night function sparks noise complaints from residents

A long-running bookstore is the latest inner west venue hit with resident objections over noise impacts after releasing plans to host late night cultural events and comedy nights at the site.

Gleebooks owner David Gaunt has defended plans for the late-night functions.

A long-running bookstore is the latest inner west venue hit with resident objections over noise impacts after releasing plans to host late night cultural events and comedy nights at the site.

A proposal by Gleebooks in Glebe to host functions and book-related events as late as midnight has been met with resistance from neighbouring homeowners due to fears it could “drive down” property prices and leave residents unable to sleep.

Gleebooks, which has been operating for 50 years, is currently undergoing major renovations and is due to reopen the store in the coming weeks with a new function and cafe space.

The store’s proposal would allow events to be held within the function space as late as midnight, seven days a week. Gleebooks also wants to apply for a liquor licence that would allow alcohol to be served from within the premises.

Plans stated the midnight operating hours would allow “flexibility” for the type of events permitted at the site and could include political launch events, set menu catered dinners with a speaker, classical music recitals, jewelry product launches, corporate leadership/team building events, comedy nights and wakes.

Gleeboks has applied to hold functions as late as midnight.

But nearby residents claim the proposal could cause noise disturbances, “deprive our rights to have proper sleep” and lead to “mental health impacts”.

Homeowner Debbie Ellis is among residents who have objected to the plan.

“It is totally unfair and not necessary – particularly when the residence living next door to the adjoining property requires you to work the following day,” she said in a submission.

The proposal has been lodged to the City of Sydney.

“I believe a quiet environment in your home is not a lot to ask.”

The proposed midnight operating hours includes lifting a current cap of 10pm operating hours for functions held at the site.

Gleebooks owner David Gaunt said he does not believe midnight operating hours would have a negative impact on neighbours.

He said the site also has a long history of holding book related functions which have previously been permitted to be held as late as 10pm.

The function space would be located on the first level of the building.

“I’ll keep away from the NIMBY debate but we wouldn’t be doing this if we felt there was a risk of amenity or the value of homes,” he said.

“I think we’ve been a benefit to the community rather than a negative and we offer something positive for the area.

“I can’t imagine we’d be holding many events until midnight each year but applying for (the operating hours) gives us the option.”

Functions previously held on the premises have included literary lesbian speed dating, life writing classes, pop-up yoga, theatrical performances and a Women in the Greens party event.

A social impact statement commissioned by the store stated that there was “nothing about the proposal” that will cause negative impacts on the community.

“The premises is not seeking to become a dedicated entertainment or music venue,” the plans stated.

Other submissions from neighbours have included concerns over property prices.

Marion Wong said the extended hours would mean there would “be no possibility for predictable quiet time” and could be “detrimental to our rights to peaceful enjoyment of our properties.”

“(It would) impact on the value of our properties, our ability to rent them, as well as our mental health,” she said.

If approved the midnight hours would have a maximum patron limit of 92 people. The store is proposing a one-year trail of the midnight operating hours to enable monitoring.

The proposal has been lodged with the City of Sydney and is currently under assessment.