Freshwater’s iconic two-hatted restaurant, Pilu, has found itself at the centre of an unexpected planning dispute due to noise and traffic objections from neighbours.
When Pilu’s owners Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini submitted a routine Development Application (DA) to formalise their operations as a restaurant and function space, the last thing they expected to be doing was sitting in a hearing, debating the future of its bookings and operating hours.
As with all Development Applications to Northern Beaches Council, the public was invited to provide submissions regarding the restaurant’s application. When a small number of residents raised concerns about alleged increases in noise and function activity over the restaurant’s 20-year operation, the matter was taken to a Northern Beaches Planning Panel hearing on March 19th.
Residents along Undercliff Rd have raised concerns over noise and traffic. Image: Google Maps.
Known for its fine dining and Sardinian-inspired cuisine, Pilu has been a local landmark since 2004, building on the site’s long established history as a restaurant. The property had been a restaurant for 35 years prior to Pilu moving in, firstly a fish kiosk, then a fine diner.
Owners Giovanni and Marilyn simply sought to document their long-standing usage, but the application triggered objections from a few nearby residents of Undercliff Road. The application is seeking approval for the restaurant’s current operations, including hosting up to 20 function events per year, increased patron capacity, and extended operating hours.
The application was referred to the panel due to receiving more than 10 unique objections (16 were received, with 5 objections, and 11 supporting). Concerns raised by residents primarily focused on permissibility, noise, parking issues with increased patronage, alleged unauthorised works, and impact on heritage.
According to Friends of Freshwater, the planning panel heard compelling evidence contradicting these claims. Denise Goldstein, Chair of Friends of Freshwater, along with other community members and expert witnesses, testified that Pilu’s operations had remained consistent over the past two decades. An acoustic expert also presented data demonstrating there had been no significant increase in noise levels.
Giovanni and Marilyn celebrating 20 years of Pilu in 2024. Image: supplied.
The Hon. Michael Regan, MP for Wakehurst and former Northern Beaches Council Mayor, also submitted a letter strongly backing the DA, criticising the “unnecessarily burdensome and costly process” imposed on the local couple. Regan pledged to raise the issue of bureaucratic hurdles faced by local businesses with relevant state ministers.
During the hearing, Marilyn also expressed her frustration, describing the process as a “complicated nightmare” that had caused significant stress and financial strain, emphasising that the initial application was intended to be a simple administrative matter.
While the planning panel did not immediately rule on the DA, the overwhelming community support and Minister Regan’s intervention have raised hopes that Pilu’s application will soon be approved.
You can read the full agenda and notes from the planning meeting here.
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