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“Our house prices are going down because of this,” he told The Age, briefly stopping to tell a cafe-bound tradie that he couldn’t park in front of his house.
“It’s not a big deal if you don’t live nearby, but it has disrupted our way of life.”
James Laskie outside his Barton Milk Bar in Hawthorn.Credit: Simon Schluter
However, Sally Mills and Joe Tobin, from two other Barton Street households, told The Age they backed the restaurant plan.
James Laskie, meanwhile, has compiled a petition with 267 signatures supporting a six-hour trading extension. The majority list their addresses as within the broader Hawthorn suburb, but not right next door.
Although separate to the planning process, the petition was tabled at Boroondara Council’s meeting last Monday ahead of a final vote on an amended permit next week.
But council officials have already recommended elected councillors reject it.
“The request for extended trading would result in activities on the site extending into more sensitive times and is not supported in this location, as echoed by objections made by nearby residents,” a report said.
It added that key concerns included noise from patrons and vehicles, traffic and parking congestion, disruption to the “quiet and family-orientated character” of the area, and antisocial behaviour stemming from alcohol being served.
James Laskie outside his cafe on Thursday.Credit: Simon Schluter
Laskie, however, said his restaurant would not be a boozy bar. Instead, he said his “modest” application would facilitate a “family-focused, seated dinner service to our existing clientele”.
“We believe that this would add a currently unavailable amenity to the area, that is in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood, and will only enhance the experience of its residents,” the Laskie siblings said.
“If granted these hours, we would close food service around 8pm, allowing for diners to enjoy their meals, coffee and drinks in a quiet and unrushed environment, as well as allowing staff to prep the cafe for the morning, clean, and close by 10pm.”
They described the objections as “unwarranted, though understandable fears of select individuals”.
“We will continue to adapt our business to suit locals and the neighbourhood that underpin Barton Milk Bar’s identity,” they said.
A council report found the Laskies had demand for expansion, but added: “It is difficult to determine whether the demand is derived from a local community need.”
Former premier Ted Baillieu supports allowing the Barton Milk Bar to offer a dinner service.Credit: Simon Schluter
The Laskies remain hopeful councillors will overrule this planning advice.
Three objectors, who wanted anonymity to avoid inflaming neighbourhood tensions, indicated an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal was possible if councillors supported the plan.
A City of Boroondara spokesperson said the municipality’s planning scheme required “a wide range of factors” be considered, but declined to comment further ahead of council’s vote.
“These factors include amenity impacts, benefits to the local community, zoning controls and guidance, and submissions received during the public consultation period,” they said.
Baillieu, the former Victorian Liberal leader, added: “Only a completely out-of-touch council could block a complete success.”
Councillors – including Baillieu’s son, Rob, who was elected in a local teal wave last year – will decide the issue on Monday night.
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