MCU25/0006 - Development Application For Material Change Of Use - Short Term Accommodation (Backpackers Accommodation) At 17 Russell St, Noosaville · Attachment 1 - MCU25 0006 - Planning Officer’S Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                          07 OCTOBER 2025




                    Figure 10 – Rear elevation indicates Level 3 and roof top terrace.



High Density Residential Zone Code
Section 6.3.3.2 of Noosa Plan 2020 (below) states the most relevant Overall Outcomes of the High
Density Residential zone.
The overall outcomes sought for the High density residential zone are as follows:
  (a) High density residential neighbourhoods are predominantly home to permanent residents.
  (e) The intrusion of incompatible uses or uses which are more appropriately accommodated in
  other zones is avoided to protect land for higher density attached housing.
  (g) Development caters for both the current and projected demographic, economic and social
  profile of the area, including one and two-person households, households on low to moderate
  incomes and residents with reduced mobility.
  (h) Small multiple dwellings are integrated within the high density residential built form to
  increase housing choice.
  (i) Short-term visitor accommodation is predominately provided through well-established resorts
  and holiday units.
  (n) Development responds to land constraints including topography, bushfire and flood.
Assessment
The intent of the zone is to provide high density Multiple dwellings, community uses and small
scale services facilities and infrastructure to support permanent residents. The overall outcomes
clearly state that High Density Residential neighbourhoods are to be predominantly home to
permanent residents and that short term visitor accommodation is predominantly provided through
well-established resorts. The acceptable outcomes further detail that short term accommodation is
to be scattered amongst permanent residents. The proposal does not meet the overall outcomes
of the zone.
As demonstrated in Figure 8 and 9, the area is well serviced with existing short term visitor
accommodation with the proposal requiring a substantial expansion of an existing building that will
be out of character and scale with the surrounding area. The application for Short Term
accommodation is limited to shorter stays only. Longer term accommodation options which may
assist with increasing the availability and supply for key workers accommodation does not usually
include Short Term accommodation uses.