HAS the wool been pulled over our eyes?

The BDN revealed on Monday Woolworths is applying for a liquor licence, through its BWS Beer Wine Spirits chain, for the oft-debated Bermagui development.

A liquor store was included in the original development application submitted to Bega Valley Shire Council.

While it wasn’t the only point of debate in that DA, it was enough for some councillors to question its inclusion before a split decision to approve the supermarket for the seaside town.

As we all know, that decision was then taken to the Land and Environment Court by a Bermagui community group.

Woolworths had a second bite of the cherry, submitting a modified application, sans liquor store, which was also approved by the BVSC in a tight vote despite vocal community opposition.

In place of a liquor outlet, “retail tenancy (Shop 1)” appears on the new development plan.

Now it has become known BWS intend to occupy “Shop 1”, provided it can successfully apply for a liquor licence.

While not debating the pros and cons of Woolworths in Bermagui here (I’m sure that discussion will be ongoing) I feel somewhat incredulous at this move by the company.

If successful, it essentially gets what it originally wanted for the space – with other amendments as per the DA consent – circumventing council approval in the process.

A liquor licence is not the council’s responsibility and the notion of a shop selling sealed merchandise – alcohol or otherwise - complies with the already approved “retail tenancy”.

I’m sorry, but if residents of Bermagui and neighbours of the Woolworths development were already so concerned with a potential liquor outlet that they spoke out initially, I can only assume they would be furious now.

Surely councillors should also be up in arms at this turn of events?

If not, I’d like to know why, as would readers I’m sure.

It’s not like the liquor store was the only issue some residents and councillors had regarding the Woolworths proposal, but to have it circumvented so easily is real cause for concern in my opinion.

I’d like to hear your thoughts.

Email me at ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au or leave your comments below.