COUNCIL officers have recommended that councillors back a controversial proposal for out door food markets at Cleveland.
The matter will go before the full council for a decision on Wednesday, August 10.
In a report to go to council, planning officer Frances Eastall said the proposal complied with the Redlands planning scheme.
Key issues identified with the proposal are parking, noise, odour, lighting, security, toilet facilities, access and impact on traders.
Ms Eastall said the issues had been addressed in the development application and a permit could be issued, provided some additional permits and conditions were met.
The proposal is for seating for 300 to 400 people in the car park between the Cleveland Library and Raby Bay Harbour, with restaurants operating out of shipping containers and food trucks.
There will be 19 shipping containers permanently on site, an entertainment area and bar. Operating hours will be Friday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 10am – 9pm.
Proponents will lease food stalls to operators.
The proposal by local couple Sharon and Colin Mason is opposed by existing restaurants who believe they risk financial ruin from the proposal.
Hog’s Breath Cafe national operations manager Paul Piert has said there was no point to the Chefs Inc proposal given the high number of existing restaurants which were under financial stress.
Hundreds of locals have commented for and against on the Redland City Bulletin website and Facebook sites.
Ms Eastall said it was envisaged that a flow-on effect might result in people going to other establishments due to the early finishing time and therefore adding to the revitalisation of the Cleveland CBD.
“The propoal is considered to provide economic activity to the centre as it is expected to attract a larger number of people and is easily accessible by all modes of transport,’’ her report says.
The markets will operate at a time when car parking is under-utilised. A total of 19 car parks will be lost of which 14 are occupied by council vehicles.
Conditions include that the proposal be of no cost to council and that it meets noise, odour, landscaping, waste and traffic management conditions.
The approval has a sunset clause, limiting its operations to 10 years.
