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


                             The management of the acoustic environment at the property
                             through ongoing site monitoring of open areas, roof top terraces,
                             requires ongoing vigilance on behalf of site management.
                             The proposed building design contains several open areas
                             across all floors which have the potential to create acoustic
                             nuisance which may be difficult to monitor on a day to day basis.
                             It is agreed that that the layout and areas of open communal
                             spaces at all levels of the building has potential to result in an
                             ongoing nuisance and potential compliance issue for Council
                             which is not supported.

Impact on Holiday Park As raised in the submissions, impacts to the Holiday park
                       opposite the subject site may involve noise, anti-social behaviour
                       and increased traffic within Russell street.
                             Acoustic assessments prepared by the Applicant included noise
                             sensitive receivers at the front of the subject site only.
                             The Applicant’s recommendation of managing noise emissions
                             from vehicle movement and outdoor social activities are
                             proposed to be met during the daytime and evening with the
                             inclusion of proposed acoustic treatments (i.e. acoustic fencing /
                             walls and acoustic awnings).
                             The management of anti-social behaviour is not a planning matter
                             relevant to this application however is typically monitored by staff.

Social and     behavioural Several comments were received regarding the intensity of the
concerns.                  development and the potential for guests coming and going
                           during late evening and early morning periods.
                             This also relates to the potential for guests communicating with
                             family and or friends (via phones and computers) which may
                             occur on areas such as unenclosed balconies across different
                             international time zones.
                             These concerns are typically addressed through operational and
                             management plans rather than planning scheme provisions.

Loss of Affordable longer Comments for the received regarding the loss of affordable long
term housing              term housing within the zone in lieu of short term overseas visitor
                          and tourists.
                             The planning scheme encourages Multiple Dwellings and
                             housing diversity. Continued loss of long-term housing may
                             undermine strategic housing objectives, especially for key
                             workers.

Zoning Conflict              A Short-term accommodation use is impact assessable in the
                             High density residential zone.
                             Under Noosa Plan 2020 (25 September 2020) an Applicant is
                             able to apply for a Short Term accommodation use within the
                             zone.