CBD fitness studio hit with costs to lower noise output

A Wangaratta CBD fitness business has to wear the cost of implementing a noise limiter and other changes following objections made by nearby residents about audio levels. Costs to M&M X-Treme World of Fitness, located in a Commercial 1 Zone on Ely Street, have been estimated to exceed $10,000 since complaints were made. Other costs include structural works such as insulation and iron cladding to dampen sound, along with overheads attached to a planning permit amendment. The matter was heard at the July council meeting regarding three altered conditions in the existing permit relating to the hours of operation, number of patrons, and noise. Notice of the application was given and seven objections and 15 letters of support were received. A change in hours will be implemented from 6am-noon and 5pm-7pm, to now 6am -8pm Monday to Sunday. More patrons will be allowed, rising from 10 to 25, unless otherwise agreed in writing by responsible authorities. The previous noise restriction was “no amplified music announcements or broadcasts” beyond the property boundary of the land. Now M&M X-Treme fitness must comply with the EPA noise protocol that outlines the noise limits for indoor and outdoor entertainment venues. At the council meeting, public gallery member Wayne Stafford asked if there was a system that monitors noise emanating from a business. Council director sustainability and culture Stephen Swart said there is a draft condition about installing a noise limiting device on this premises and there’s further conditions to tell council how that device is working. “This is all to ensure that the land use will comply with environmental protection authority regulations for noise,” he said. Mr Stafford also asked whether council has any regard to the financial implications for the applicants? “I believe this condition (concerning noise) could be upwards of $10,000, given the amount of money that various parties have contributed towards this ongoing saga,” he said. “It's just another dagger in the heart.” Mr Swart said they do consider whether the conditions they impose on permits are reasonable in the context of that specific application and land use. “Some of it will come at the cost and we recognise that,” Mr Swart said. In speaking for the motion Cr Harvey Benton said people need to be aware of the conditions around a zone before they move into that zone. He said it’s becoming more common across different zones that people want to have another activity that’s not a priority for that zone. "Hence the reason we have zones is to make sure the people go into those zones knowing there's going to be activities there that might not be conducive to what they want to have," he said. Cr Harry Bussell said the issue highlights just how tough it is for small business anywhere they are and the city really needs more small businesses in town. “Restrictions come at a cost and I just hope it works,” he said. Cr Dave Fuller was the only councillor who voted against the motion as he indicated that he did not agree with the conditions imposed on the business. "I struggled with the set of conditions given the ongoing impost and detrimental outcomes that could come from this, as would other small businesses when we (authorities) start to impose too much red tape," he said.

CBD fitness studio hit with costs to lower noise output

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