Sydney City Council has delayed approval for a proposal for an increase in patron capacity at The Imperial Hotel until councillors get more information regarding the owner’s plans on security and crowd control.

The council is also seeking further details on the public transport options available to hotel patrons as well as further assessments on the giant stiletto.

At a council meeting Monday night, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the decision was a “difficult one”, adding that the council had the arduous task of balancing its support of the GLBT community with protecting the amenities of the local Erskineville residents.

The proposal is for an increase in the number of patrons allowed in the Cabaret, Cellar and Priscilla Bars, from 306 to 788, as well a giant, rotating stiletto for the roof.

But following weeks of consultation, town planners recommended a maximum of only 518 patrons and only for a trial period of one year. It also recommended the stiletto for refusal, saying it would conflict with the building’s art-deco design and the surrounding streetscape.

Moore pointed that “it’s not the behaviour of the people in the venue but the impact of the people that leave the venue” that is of significant concern, particularly when there will be “constant streams of people leaving from 12am to 6am”, she said.

However, Moore signalled a fondness for the stiletto, saying she was “rather attracted” to the idea.

Councillors will vote on the issue again this Monday.

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