MCU21-0164 -Applicant's Response

As indicated on the proposal landscaped plans provided as Attachment 2, a feature tree garden has been
provided to the front of the site in accordance with Council’s request.

Five pandanus trees have also been provided to the sites frontage and as street trees near the sites
boundary. Whilst noting the comments from our ecologist re the Pandanus and some of the issues related to
them, we are willing to accept a condition around the maintenance requirements to protect public safety, or
for a more desirable species to be planted.

The gardens will not pose a risk to the patrons of the use and the rocks have been removed from the road
reserve.

The landscaping will provide will complement the natural timber tones of the built form and provide an
additional softness to the development.


Summary

The development has good landscaping along the front of the site, is designed with recycled timber finishes
and copper / brass colour tones which comply with the built form provisions of the Planning Scheme that
require colour tones that blend with the natural environment. The development will be a better outcome than
many developments in Hastings Street which have no setback and no landscaping to the front of the site.

The proposed development compliments and is in line with the design and material palette used by Noosa
Council for the Visitor Information Centre. In doing this the applicant has taken heed to various elements of
Noosa Councils Design Principles,

       •     Respect the character of existing towns and villages - don’t force or contrive designs that do not fit,1
             This design is in keeping with the establish design within this locality.

       •     Discourage high solid walls along front property boundaries2. The design provides for a landscaped
             buffer between the footpath and the dining, large window openings and awnings encourage the
             pedestrian to interact with the space rather than be shut away from it.

       •     Use natural timber features in our public environments to soften hard structures and blend with our
             green backdrop. 3 All timbers being used are being presented as rough sawn with natural stains to
             highlight and compliment the timber.

       •     Use finishes that bring out the colour and texture of timber elements 4. Refer the previous commentary.

       •     Encourage an environment where innovation and experimentation is the norm rather than simply
             accepting a standard approach5. The approach to the design, layout and approach is creative and
             not the standard rendered block design which of recent times has been approved.

Consideration was also given to the State of Queensland Publications - QDesign and QCompanion to ensure


1
    Noosa Design Principles – Our Local Character P19
2
    Noosa Design Principles – Enjoying the Footpath P23
3
    Noosa Design Principles – Working with Nature P31
4
    Noosa Design Principles – Working with Nature P31
5
    Noosa Design Principles – Our Creative Environment P37

                                                                            PO Box 1818     07 5474 3873
                                                                            Noosa Heads     [email protected]
                                                                            QLD 4567        rgstrategic.com.au