Pilu, Freshwater: Residents object plans to formalise Pilu restaurant over parking concerns

A proposal to formalise a popular restaurant on the northern beaches has been met with backlash by local residents. See why they oppose the plans here.

Award-winning fine dining restaurant Pilu is seeking council approval to become a permanent addition to Freshwater Beach by formalising their use of site - but residents have voiced their disapproval.

Opened in 2004 by chef Giovanni Pilu and wife Marilyn — the a la carte restaurant Pilu at 80 Undercliff Rd has become a staple of Freshwater Beach — known best for their selection of top notch Italian and Sardinian cuisine.

With street frontage on Undercliff Rd and pedestrian access from Moore Rd, Pilu sits upon the southern section of Freshwater Beach and operates under two development consents approving the indoor and outdoor use of the restaurant.

Pilu in Freshwater is seeking council approval to formalise their use of site.

Lodged on February 3, the new development application seeks to consolidate the two existing approved applications under a single consent, formalising the use of the site as a restaurant with permission for ancillary event services

Lodged on February 3, a new development application seeks to consolidate the existing approved DA under a single consent, formalising the use of the site as a restaurant with permission for ancillary large-group event services including wedding ceremonies which will be permitted during the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm.

A planner on the proposal said that the development application does not relate to the kiosk on the site of Pilu which is currently being used as an outdoor seating structure by the venue.

“The purpose of this DA is to supersede the existing 40-year-old consents … which currently govern the use of the restaurant on site and which are no longer fit-for purpose,” the planner said.

“Pilu is an award-winning fine dining restaurant and the service of food and drink for consumption on the premises will remain its primary purpose.

“It is proposed that the ancillary use of the site for wedding ceremonies be permitted in accordance with the plan of management.”

Pilu at Freshwater offers a range of Italian and Sardinian fine dining cuisine. Picture: Supplied.

If approved, the restaurant will extend its operating hours from 12:00am to 10:00pm Wednesday to Sunday to 10:00am to 12:00am Monday to Saturday and 10:00am to 10:00pm on Sundays.

Approval is also sought to increase maximum occupancy to a maximum of 50 patrons inside the pavilion and 100 people indoors, with plans to not exceed 130 at any time.

The premises have currently been operating with provision of 28 parking spaces provided via the council public car park to the west of the site, however the new application would require 43 parking spaces to meet new occupancy levels, with the planner noting that under existing consents, all required parking is already available within the Council public car park.

Pilu at Freshwater. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

However, residents of Freshwater argue that the development application should be refused over the lack of new parking spaces dedicated specifically for the restaurant.

One submission by a patrolling member at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club argued that there is already a lack of substantial parking at the beach.

“There is a significant shortfall of parking down at Freshwater Beach, particularly when patrolling members are looking to park around changeover times,” the submission said.

“This DA does not propose any additional parking despite a proposed increase in the number of patrons to the ‘Pilu’ Restaurant.

“The intensity of the development is limited by the number of parking spaces it can provide per the requirements of the DCP (development control plan).”

Another submission from a resident of Moore Rd argues that there is a “significant shortfall in the required parking for the proposed development”.

The council car park on Moore Rd located outside of Pilu in Freshwater. Picture: Google Maps

“There are only 46 parking spaces in the public parking adjoining the Premises at the end of Moore Road, if the Applicant were to rely upon this parking for their development, they would use all but two of the parking spaces available to the public.” the submission stated.

“Essentially, the Premises would be using all of the public parking adjoining the Premises, and it would still have a shortfall in the amount of required parking.”

“ … the proposed development should be refused unless additional parking is provided as part of the proposal.”

Giovanni Pilu and wife Marilyn pictured at their restaurant Pilu in Freshwater. Picture: Tim Hunter.

However, other local residents in Freshwater support the development application with several submissions noting the positive impact Pilu has had on the community as well as head chef Giovanni Pilu’s contribution to local charities.

“We have never had any reason to complain about noise … in fact it certainly adds to the ambience and character of Freshwater Basin.” a submission from a long-time Freshwater resident wrote.

“Giovanni and Marilyn are a big part of our local framework, sponsoring or making donations to events and helping out wherever they can.” another submission said.

“We should be congratulating Pilu for making it through the pandemic, for holding onto its staff and for staying afloat during difficult times, not trying to pull them down or have them shut down.”

The new development application is currently under assessment by Northern Beaches Council.