Parramatta Jean Nassif: On Sunset Lebanese restaurant applies for extended trading hours
Controversial developer Jean Nassif loves to party but the revelling hours at his tenants’ western Sydney restaurant might have to be put on hold.
Parramatta
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Controversial developer Jean Nassif loves to party but plans to revel for longer hours at his tenants’ Parramatta restaurant, On Sunset, have been withdrawn.
The popular riverside Lebanese restaurant submitted plans with Parramatta Council to operate from 7am to midnight each day.
Before coronavirus forced its closure last month, On Sunset operated from 9am to 11pm on Sunday, 5-11pm Monday to Wednesday, and noon to 11pm on Friday.
However, the restaurant has backflipped on its plans, that were due to be determined at a Local Parramatta Planning Panel meeting tomorrow.
Residents living in the River Rd West apartment complex above the 150-seat restaurant had objected to the plan, citing concerns over noise as well as shisha and tobacco smoke enterting their apartments.
Their concerns were backed by Cumberland police and Parramatta Council officers who said the restaurant had breached rules over liquor licensing, noise from patrons, smoke, live music and entertainment and parking.
Mr Nassif owns the Toplace complex, which includes the restaurant on the ground floor and the units above.
A 203-signature petition, signed by 169 residents in the flats and 34 from those in surrounding streets, opposed the proposal.
More than 500 signatures, mainly from diners, support longer trading hours, which On Sunset director Simon Tayoun said was needed so it could stop turning away guests and meet demand.
Parramatta councillor Patricia Prociv, who had supported residents’ objections, said noise was their main gripe.
“The restaurant is a valuable asset to the area,’’ she said.
“It’s got a nice aspect, it’s by the river but it’s essentially in a residential area and it’s not part of the night time economy area, which ends at Macarthur St.
“Conditions by the planners were that the operational hours be from Sunday to Thursday 7am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday 7am to 11pm, based on the acoustic report. That was one of the conditions of consent.’’
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Created before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the council’s Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024 includes plans for a thriving 24-hour economy.
Longer trading hours at On Sunset led the planning panel to recommend it be refused.
Councillor Steve Issa slammed the recommendation and said the night economy comprised the entire council area, not just the Parramatta CBD.
“It strikes me as odd to get a recommendation for refusal considering the council’s policy for night time economy for activation, particularly along the river,’’ he said.
“As a nation, we’re facing the biggest unprecedented economic challenges since World War II and we’re limiting the trading hours.
“Whether it’s by On Sunset or any business, I think coming out of the pandemic is going to be challenging.’’
Cr Issa said supporting businesses, such as On Sunset, was particularly important when Parramatta Light Rail runs along a corridor near the restaurant, which opened in 2018.
Toplace previously said Sunset had contributed to making Parramatta a more vibrant place.
“The purpose was to build and activate the Parramatta River Foreshore Heritage Walk and create a vibrant lifestyle on the river,’’ a spokeswoman said.