Council approves plans for new coffee shop on Gordon St, Port Macquarie

Council has approved plans to repurpose a vacant Port Macquarie shopfront into a coffee tasting and small retail business. Find out where.

A keen entrepreneur has been given the green light to open Moon Boy Roast House, a new coffee tasting and small retail business, in Port Macquarie.

The plans, which were submitted to local council for approval back in May, were approved just last week. 

Moon Boy Roast House will soon be setting up shop in Port Macquarie.

Council's approval means 42 Gordon Street can be repurposed to serve food and drink, with the operator planning to open from 6am to 5pm daily. 

EARLIER

The 142.2m2 space occupies the eastern side of 42 Gordon St, on the fringe of the CBD, and is looking to operate seven days a week .

The application proposes a new retail and coffee tasting business on Gordon St.

But before that happens, the vacant shopfront – unit two, neighbouring to Ned Kelly's Bait & Tackle – will need to be reclassified.

It’s zoned as “Business – Mixed Use (B4)”, which allows for commercial business to operate on-site, but a change of use is needed before remodelling can begin.

A development proposal was lodged earlier this year by Bamford Engineering & Consulting’s general manager David Pensini, outlining an estimated cost of $15,000.

The subject site is on one of Port Macquarie's main roads, Gordon St.

It outlines plans for the front of the shop (72.2m2) to be used for coffee tasting and retailing, with a range of products and associated equipment on display for purchase.

Coffees and light refreshments are also to be prepared in this area, alongside limited customer seating and a staffroom/office, according to the application.

Meanwhile, it’s proposed the rear portion of the unit (70m2) will support a number of ancillary activities including coffee roasting, employee carparking and stock storage.

“The proposed change of use complies with the requirements of council’s development control planning objectives and development standards,” the plans argue.

“The proposed development is consistent with the zoning for the area and is compatible with the local context and amenity.”

The existing floor plan for unit two of 42 Gordon St.

The proposed floor plan for unit two of 42 Gordon St.

Mr Pensini also met with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council pre-lodgement to discuss the proposal, where it was revealed another development application was approved for the site back in 2010, allowing additions and alterations to be made to enlarge the unit.

In his application, Mr Pensini noted further adjustments will be required in order for the space to function as a coffee shop.

“The proposed development requires minor internal alterations to the existing building so as to support its proposed use,” the application reads.

“It is noted that (the shop) has had a history of retail and commercial uses with the previous being that of a surfboard sales and repair business.”

The land zoning of the site, including B4 (Mixed Use) which extends beyond 42 Gordon St and on to three of the four roundabout corners.

The application assures council that the proposed new business won’t produce toxic waste or smells.

“It is noted that the operation of the proposed coffee tasting and retail premises will not give rise to the generation of greasy/oily wastes as a result of cooking … (as food will be prepared) via microwave oven or small griddle pan or similar,” the plan reads.

“The operation of the proposed coffee tasting and retail premises will not give rise to the generation of odours with … appropriate flue and emission minimisation equipment and infrastructure (to be installed).”

The application complies with the relevant Coastal State Environmental Planning Policies, as well as council’s Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan.

“(Coffee tasting and retailing) is a permissible use which is subject to the issuing of development consent by the local council,” the plan states.

“The development of the subject site is consistent with the desired character of the area … and with the public interest.”

A decision from council is currently pending.