Maleny Manor appeals lux unit proposal
By Kirra Livingstone
THE backers of a $24m luxury accommodation on the Maleny Manor site have appealed a decision by Sunshine Coast Council to reject the initial proposal.
Presidential Capital Pty Ltd appealed to the Planning and Environment Court on March 5, citing the need for the development to help cater for growing demand for high end accommodation in the region. The proposal was refused by a vote of seven to four at the Council’s ordinary meeting on Thursday, January 30, with Division 5 councillor, Winston Johnston, and Division 1 councillor, Jenny Broderick, backing the development.
The proposal was refused over concerns about its impact on the area’s visual appeal, its urban scale in a rural area, and extensive earthworks affecting the natural landscape, among a number of other reasons.
In the notice of appeal, the applicant stated the proposed development would in fact continue to maintain and enhance the scenic route, would protect significant landscape elements and features, and complements the rural character of the town.
“The proposed development is appropriately located and designed in a manner which meets the needs of its patrons and otherwise protects the landscape values and protects the amenity of surrounding premises,” the appeal said.
Cr Johnston, who supported the original application, said he couldn’t comment on the case now it is going to court, but said he wasn’t surprised.
“It could take up to 12 months for the Planning and Environment Court to come to a decision,” he said.
“But the court has a lot of cases to rule on, and some application appeals can drag on for years.”
Maleny Views Motel is directly across the road from where the proposed development would be built. Owner, Jim Sutton said he was disappointed to hear the application is being appealed, because it will disadvantage businesses opposite the proposed site, and the community if the decision is overturned.
“It will impact on our view, it will also take away our business because people come here specifically for the views,” he said.
“When it goes out of council’s hands to a higher authority, it really gets down to who you know.
“To me the appeal has no merit, but it could be overturned, who knows.”
kirra@gcnews.com.au