PM Submission - Mark Civitella - 1320008.176.05

Subject: Development Application 132008.176.05
From: Mark Civitella
Date: 2023-08-17T03:34:49+00:00
To: Mailbox Council Mail

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To whom it may concern

Re: Lot 3+7 Serenity Close proposed development.

I am writing to express concern at the application for the above development.

The proposed development does not suit the area it is proposed for. Nor does it complement the area. It will deleteriously change the area.

Given the efforts of Council to ensure appropriate development, specifically along Grant St and surrounding area, this makes a mockery of that planning process. How can Council enforce restrictions on short-term accommodation on existing properties in the area, while allowing a major development offering massive volumes of short-term accommodation in the same area? If this is approved, it would provide a precedent for other applications as they could argue their impact would be so significantly minimal compared to a hotel complex.

As a recent resident I note that we would not have bought the property if the development was being undertaken.

The development is suited to other parts of Noosa and should have the opportunity to relocate to those parts. This point would be obvious to everyone considering the application. Council has implemented changes to building use in relation to total amenity, and this does not comply with those changes.

The most concern I have relates to safety of residents and visitors. The development only has two non-commercial streets leading to it. There is no ‘road’. During the peak months, Grant Street in particular, is congested with kids on bikes, scooters, people walking to the Junction, people walking to the bus stop to get the free shuttle to Main beach, people lugging beach carts, and a huge number of cars.

Grant Street has foot access on one side of the street. The street is divided by gradation with most of foot traffic on the upper side taking chances walking between cars on the street. On the lower side, it is similar without a real footpath. Each has single lane traffic and cars entering and leaving existing properties.

A significant increase in both vehicles and foot traffic will inevitably result in accidents, injuries and possibly someone being killed. This is too much of  a risk. Council must put safety first.

It is not just hotel guests accessing the property, but employees, deliveries, visitors and those going to the Hotel bars and restaurants coming and going all day and night long.

A further point on access is in the peak months driving from Grant street to the Junction roundabout is problematic now. Queues of vehicles line up from the Noosaville direction all the way back to the RACV Resort. Getting through the roundabout has become time consuming, less safe and problematic. And this queue goes all the way to Hastings Street on the other side. Why would Council approve a development in Serenity Close that will add hundreds of vehicle travels a day to a system that is already not coping? Council should be applauded for innovations such as the free electric shuttle bus – which alleviates some of the traffic, but adding to the burden is madness.

One other health matter is the issue of sewerage processing. Last summer there was significant works in the park at the end of Banksia and Grant Streets and the scent was profound. Walking at this roundabout now still has a sewerage smell. Clearly the infrastructure is strained. Adding a Hotel will make this worse. Will it cope?

My other concern, given we are in a koala habitat, is what will the environmental impacts be? What of birdlife? What information is available?

There are many other reasons to object to the development. I am sure many other residents have outlined concerns so I will keep my concerns to these key issues.

Once again, Noosa Council has worked very hard to try and preserve the unique character, charm and amenity of the area. This would be a blow to the Council and significant run-on problems for Council and residents.

Regards

Mark Civitella
2/23 Grant Street
Noosa Heads QLD 4567