Council 'didn't tell me', says applicant

The owner of a Woy Woy cafe has claimed that Central Coast Council had not advised her that her application had been refused.

Owner of the Hidden Courtyard Cafe, Ms Marianne Shirley, said she was shocked to learn, from reading an article in the Peninsula News, that the council had refused a development application that she did not complete or intend to see through.

She said the business has been running as a flower shop and cafe where customers have enjoyed, for the past three years, the relaxing ambience of garden courtyard, great coffee and wholesome food, often with live music and entertainment.

"I know the need for tranquillity and somewhere to spend time away from an often stressed and uncertain world," Ms Shirley said.

"Our customers love the quiet, unhurried, safe space away from the crowds, a wonderful place to meet and make new friends," she said.

"I felt that the business would benefit by having a wine licence but, for personal reasons, I was unable to follow through with the development application," she said.

Ms Shirley said she had since closed the flower shop and has the cafe for sale.

After contacting the council, Ms Shirley received a letter from council town planner Ms Sarah Hartley which said: "The 'idea' behind the project was not a concern to Council, however any development application needs to be in a form that meets the requirements of the Regulations that govern this process, which was not provided.

"Be assured that this article does not prejudice Council from considering any future application for this site."

Ms Shirley said: "Perhaps the new owners will put forth another DA for a wine licence so that patrons can enjoy a lazy afternoon tipple.

"The cafe is in fine form and ready for a busy season ahead," she said.

The cafe can be found from both 18a Railway St and down the lane way beside L J Hooker on Blackwall Rd.

Email, 24 Aug 2016

Marianne Shirley, Hidden Courtyard Cafe