OFF THE WIRE
AN application to open a motor-cycle detailing and party planning business at a Port Kennedy premises, previously used by the Outlaw Motorcycle Club, has been thwarted by the City of Rockingham.
In April 2010, WA Police reported the Toynbee Way industrial unit, which was being used as a clubhouse for the gxxg, to the city.
The city wrote to the club advising that planning approval had not been granted to occupy the unit as a club premises and instructed the activity to cease, and later threatened to prosecute the club.
In December 2010, city officers and WA Police conducted a site inspection of the property that revealed it was still being used as a club premises.
In March 2011, the owners were again ordered to cease the unauthorised use of the property.
A month later, the city was advised the owner had complied and WA Police do not believe the venue has been used for club business since.
The premises’ owner applied for planning approval to use it for a “motorcycle detailing and storage and party promotions showroom”, called Black and White Motorcycles Party Promotions Showroom and White Motorcycles Detailing.
City officers who reviewed the application said they believed it was not a “bona fide application” and “that it has only been submitted to obtain planning approval to allow the premises to be used as premises for the Outlaw Motorcycle Club”. No changes were proposed for the unit’s interior and no details of the goods intended to be hired by the party planning business had been provided, other than a pool table and chairs and tables already present at the location.
“Party hire businesses normally include a far wider range of products such as glasses, jukeboxes, marquees, cocktail machines, barbecues, lighting effects, tarps, crockery, cutlery, catering equipment, linen etc,” the officers’ report said.
“It would also be difficult for city officers to ensure the application presented would not be unlawfully used as a club premises given the proponent’s intention not to make any substantial changes to the physical layout of the premises.”
At Monday’s planning services committee meeting, councillors agreed without discussion with the officers’ recommendation to refuse the application.
The application will now go before a full council meeting on February 28.
The Courier was unable to trace the premises’ owner, known only as A.C.N 069 744 823 Pty Ltd. The Outlaw Motorcycle Club was contacted for comment, but did not respond.
http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Plan-for-ex-bikie-premises-stall/7614845/