Despite it being recommended for approval by Council staff, the DA for the $5-6 million revitalisation of the historic Gerringong Co-op precinct was deferred (Croxford and Steel against) because of councillors' concern about the impact on neighbours.

In calling for the deferral, Councillor Kathy Rice said that while the project had a lot of positives there were some aspects that concerned her after listening to neighbours at Public Access.

"There are amenity impact on neighbours that could be further discussed. There were so many submissions against it, and the neighbours felt that they hadn't been fully heard. A deferral will give more opportunity for that to happen.

"The area has been an industrial area for a long time, but those houses have been there for a long time too.

"Those people need to be respected in what happens next to them.

"From what I've heard, there doesn't seem that there is a lot that will be really difficult to resolve.

"I just feel really uncomfortable about going ahead with it right now when there is still a lot of concern from the neighbourhood."

The neighbours complained about possible problems with parking, odours and noise.

Image: Robertson Collectif, Architects

Melissa and Dean Matters, of The Hill Bar and other Gerringong hospitality venues, bought the 4385sqm complex with friends from the area, David Phillips and Charlene Dawson, just over a year ago for $2.25 million - over a million dollars above the reserve set by the receivers.

At Public Access, the night before the Council meeting, Melissa Matters stressed the employment opportunities that it would bring to the town and that it would be returning to the community hub it was when she was a child.

The DA proposes a complete restoration of the historic building, resulting in two restaurant spaces (the larger suitable for functions) and a more intimate, up-market one at the building’s southern end; a family oriented outdoor garden area along the eastern side of the building with a smokehouse and pizza oven; a takeaway kiosk; a large centrally located commercial kitchen; carpark and other necessary facilities.