The motel dining area is currently governed by a 1960s planning condition, which restricts it to only offer food and drink services to motel guests, documents submitted to Wollongong City Council said.

In approving a 2015 request to allow for the refurbishment of other parts of the hotel, the council also restricted the restaurant’s occupation to 44 people. However, this “underestimates” the motel’s occupancy, and needs to be increased, the application said.

“It is anticipated that opening this premises up to the wider public could easily see [it] cater for up to 100 people at any-one-time (with sit down, stand up, and take away opportunities for service),” the plans said.

Under the new plans the venue would operate as a daytime café and a casual restaurant/bar, opening from 7am to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 7am to midnight Thursday to Saturday.

The owners have also submitted an application to the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing for a liquor licence.

“This type of adaptable business concept is considered to be a welcome addition to the growing diversity of the ‘food and drink’ premises [in Thirroul],” the application to council said.