Burleigh Pavilion protest: who are the opponents to beachfront hotel

Council is confronted with a massive protest from residents in Burleigh campaigning to stop an exclusive oceanfront restaurant becoming a hotel, including six local groups, some of which have employed legal help.

THE council is confronted with a massive protest from residents in Burleigh campaigning to stop an exclusive oceanfront restaurant becoming a hotel.

Burleigh Pavilion owner and Sydney-based hotelier Ben May later today in a media conference plans to outline his vision iconic $25 million Burleigh Pavilion, promoted as Australia’s foremost beachfront tourism asset.

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The popular Burleigh Pavilion.

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He also intends to “respond to unfounded concerns that he plans to operate the facility as a hotel”.

But the Bulletin after obtaining legal documents and submissions to the council can reveal the extent of the opposition from residents.

“I can confirm that six body corporates and a further 36 individuals are listed on submissions,” a community leader said.

The legal letters on planning issues have been sent to council CEO Dale Dickson, a submission was made to Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath on a change to liquor licensing and another sent to Minister Dr Anthony Lynham about the lease.

The Pavilion’s application for a material change of use with the council had been put on hold until July 1.

HUGE ROW OVER BURLEIGH PAVILION POOL

Inside the Burleigh Pavilion.

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In the next two weeks, Mr May intends to meet with State Government Ministers first to discuss liquor licensing issues.

A spokesperson maintains it was not the plan to operate as a hotel or extend the operating hours from midnight to 2am and add poker machines.

A title search confirms “the lessee must use the leased land for commercial-business purposes namely for swimming pool, kiosk, restaurant and associated health facility purpose and for no other purpose whatsoever”.

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Dr Lynham has been told the pool, which was a key component of the premises, has not been operational for some time.

The premises since reopening at Christmas was operating as a hotel because “its primary business is the service of alcohol” and “bouncers” were standing at the entrance.

Residents said they were already concerned about illegal consumption of alcohol in nearby John Laws Park and anti-social behaviour would increase if a hotel licence was granted.