The group has petitioned the council to free up five car parks from next month.

They are concerned that the arrangements brought in at the height of the pandemic in 2020 are now negatively affecting some businesses' post-COVID-19 recovery.

Two hospitality businesses currently use car parks for outdoor dining.

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Another 49 businesses have taken part in outdoor dining projects since the start of the pandemic and any still offering the service would not be affected.

The council is currently trialling outdoor dining options until April 30, 2022, after which it could decide whether there are permanent changes in some parts of town to accommodate changing consumer tastes.

The council is already asking businesses to reapply for permits if they want to remain in the trial past the end of this month.

Petitioners said extending the trial in View Street would be unjustifiable given "chronic" car parking shortages, though they noted it could be workable in other parts of town that the practice has been used.

The Bendigo Advertiser has not confirmed whether any venues in View Street are seeking an extension.

"If these businesses apply for a new local laws permit then surrounding traders and residents will be contacted and will be able to provide a submission through this process," city officers have told councillors.

The officers say councillors should consider asking for a team from the council's local laws and economic units to assess dining permit applications in View Street.

That would be discussed when councillors gather on Thursday.

Last month, the council released the results of a survey suggesting a majority of diners supported keeping traffic lanes closed a few blocks away in Bull Street, at least during warmer months.

Bull Street's traffic and business landscape is very different to View Street's, though, and the council acknowledged the study had limitations given most of those surveyed were dining in the street already.

Below: the results of the council's Bull Street dining survey:

Council officers have said they are still examining the strengths and weaknesses of pandemic car park closures across the city centre.

"A further report will be put to Council in late 2021 to discuss any longer-term arrangements around expanded outdoor dining, including costs and further evaluation," the officers said in their most recent report to elected officials.

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