Planning Report - 14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville - Bounce Hostels 15.6.2018

Boundary Setback

The proposed design incorporates a relaxation of the rear boundary. The site is unusually constrained by a
sewer line that is located 13 metres from the rear back. Traditionally, sewer infrastructure is located within the
rear site boundary setback. In order to address this constraint, the rear accommodation pavilion has been sited
to the rear of the site, four metres from the rear boundary.
The proposed development is seeking a relaxation of the rear boundary setback. The encroachment on the
boundary is for only the length of the accommodation building and amenities. To address this relaxation,
extensive plantings are proposed to screen the building from the adjoining uses. Established and dense
plantings will be used to boarder the site and act as visual and acoustic barriers. Additionally, no guest
activities will be occurring within the setback.
The four pavilions have been sited to specifically create a social area in the centre of the site. Communal
recreational facilities including a pool, sun deck, lounge chairs and café have been congregated to this area.
With the area recessed and the pavilions wrapping around the centre, the buildings will act as buffers to any
perceived acoustic impacts. The central social hub is also located within close proximity of the reception area
so that guests are supervised at all times.
The Acoustic Report (Appendix D) prepared by RoadPro Acoustics has assessed the perceived impact of the
reduced setback. With the proposed extensive plantings to the rear boundary, there will be no adverse impact
upon the surrounding properties as a result in the relaxation.
The proposal complies with the prescribed side setbacks. The east boundary adjoins office and medical uses
(Weyba Medical Centre). A communal drying court (either permeable paving or turfed) is proposed along the
eastern boundary and is within a short distance from the communal laundry facilities located in the basement.
Landscaping treatments have been incorporated along the boundary where practical.
The subject site adjoins residential uses along the western and northern boundaries. Established and dense
plantings will be used to boarder the western boundary and act as visual and acoustic barriers. A 2-metre
acoustic fence is proposed adjacent to the basement entry.
It is important to note that the adjoining western residential property is located within the Thomas and Mary
Street precinct and the site is located in the Business Centre Zone. Additionally, the subject site is specifically
identified within the Noosa Plan as being an appropriate location for a visitor accommodation use.




Hostel Operation

The applicant is the owner and manager of a multi award winning Sydney hostel (awards include Best Hostel in
Australia, Most Popular Hostel in Sydney, Top 3 Hostel in Oceania by Hostelworld.com; and Winner of the
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence). As such, the applicant is an experienced operator in high class hostel
accommodation.
A preliminary Hostel Operation Plan has been prepared by the applicant (Appendix E). The plan is a variation of
the Operation Plan utilised by Bounce for their Sydney hostel. The Sydney hostel does share a number of
similarities with the Noosa location and the Plan will be revised before the hostel commences operation. The
following extracts have been taken from the Operational Plan and address a number of aspects of the
management of the hostel relevant to the application for a Material Change of Use.


        24 Hour Reception
        It is crucial to have someone available at all times of the day and night to look after guest needs. This
        creates a controlled environment for guests and local residents.

              14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville                                                       21