2021-03-15 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                  15 MARCH 2021


         urban land to be allocated to Cooroy, or any other part of Noosa Shire. Council has
         previously outlined in this submission that it considers sufficient capacity exists in the
         current Noosa Plan to accommodate the projected demand for dwellings until 2041.
   Although within the Urban Footprint the development would result in the creation of an urban
   settlement within an area where the intent is to protect the landscape and capacity for rural
   production. The proposed urban development is not located within an established village, is
   well separated from the Cooroy township and is intended to be developed for rural residential
   lots under the Noosa Plan 2020.
   Significant environmental values are also present within the Riparian Buffer in the north-west
   of the site. This area contains a waterway and associated riparian vegetation and the
   development will result in disturbance to the bank and significant vegetation removal within
   this area associated with the extent of fill and development in this area. There is justified
   concern that the application will impact on significant vegetation and fauna habitat which form
   important parts of the Noosa biodiversity network.
   Furthermore, the excessive earthworks proposed, with cuts up to 4 metres indicate that the
   site is unsuitable for a seniors living development purposes where a flat environment is
   generally needed for aging persons.
   3.3. Statutory Instruments – Planning Scheme
   The subject site is located in the Cooroy and Lake Macdonald Locality and is zoned both
   Open Space Recreation and Rural under The Noosa Plan 2006 and is located outside the
   Urban Growth Boundary identified by the Noosa Plan 2006. The proposed use is defined as
   Multiple Housing Type 3 Retirement and Special Needs as the proposal is for a seniors living
   community with residents to reside in individual dwelling units.
   The proposed use of Multiple Housing – Type 3 (Retirement and Special Needs) is identified
   as an inconsistent use within the site’s Rural and Open Space Recreation zonings and is
   required to follow an impact assessable application process.
   The application must be assessed against the whole of the Noosa Plan 2006 to the extent
   the provisions are relevant to the development and regard may be had to the new planning
   scheme requirements for the site.
   The Noosa Plan 2006 envisages that Rural zoned land will be predominantly used for open
   space and farming activities. The intent is for this land to be appropriately managed and
   protected such that the scenic and environmental values, the distinct rural amenity and
   agricultural productivity are preserved. Land zoned Open Space Recreation is intended to
   be to be used for a variety of passive and active recreation activities reflective of the existing
   golf course.
   The planning scheme envisages that retirement villages would typically be located in the
   Semi-Attached Housing and Community Services zones and within the defined Urban
   Growth Boundary.
         Desired Environmental Outcomes
         The following Desired Environmental Outcomes are relevant to the application:
         a)    AGRICULTURE USES
               Agricultural industry is maintained by—
               i.    conserving land for economically viable and environmentally sustainable
                     agricultural purposes;
               ii.   preventing the fragmentation of agricultural land;
               v.    protecting agricultural pursuits from incompatible uses, particularly those
                     more suitably located within the urban growth boundary;
         i)    RESIDENTIAL USES
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