2018-11-06 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                         6 NOVEMBER 2018


Matters Raised                                      Comments
The hostel will result in excessive noise in a      The amenity of the surrounding area is an
quiet area.                                         important consideration and it is noted that the
                                                    design of the development generally assists in
Air-conditioning units will result in noise         mitigating noise impacts. The recommendation
Parties and entertainment functions will result     includes conditions to further protect the amenity of
in noise                                            the area. These include:
                                                           Limitation on the use of the café and
                                                             outside areas to guests of the visitor
                                                             hostel;
                                                           Limitation on the hours the outside areas
                                                             and café can be used;
                                                           Limitation on the emission of           noise
                                                             associated with amplified music,
                                                           Acoustic double glazing to windows,
                                                           Screening vegetation
                                                           Acoustic fencing
There are existing backpackers and there is no      The site was identified at the inception of the Noosa
need for a backpackers in this area.                Plan as being suitable for the use of Visitor
                                                    Accommodation Type 4 Conventional (Hostel) and
                                                    provisions were specifically included within the plan
                                                    referring to the location. The Noosa Plan also
                                                    underwent extensive public consultation prior to
                                                    adoption. The visitor hostel use is a consistent use for
                                                    the site and will provide low cost visitor
                                                    accommodation to support Noosa’s tourism industry.
Insufficient car parking                            The proposal complies with the car parking
Existing car parking problems in the area           requirements of the Noosa Plan. Existing car parking
                                                    concerns within the area are not a result of the
                                                    proposed development.
Reduced setback and excessive bulk of the           It is noted that the bulk attributed to the northern
northern elevation will be visually obtrusive and   elevation may impact on the visual amenity of the
block cooling winds.                                adjoining properties in Anne Street. The
                                                    recommendation includes conditions which
                                                    reduce the building height, require the provision of
                                                    600mm eaves and the installation of screen
                                                    planting between the pavilion and the rear
                                                    boundary.

5.    CONCLUSION & REASONS FOR DECISION
The application is for use of 14-16 Mary Street for Visitor Accommodation Type 4 - Conventional
(visitor hostel). The use is identified within The Noosa Plan as a consistent use for the site. The
application seeks to develop 4 pavilions which are of a domestic appearance but considered
excessive in height and it is recommended the building heights be reduced. A basement car park
is proposed in an area which is subject to flooding. The applicant proposes a non-mechanical
barrier to stop flooding of the basement. This has been reviewed by Council’s Development
Engineer and accordingly the basement is supported subject to conditions.
The impact of the proposed use on the amenity of the surrounding area forms an important part
of the assessment. As a result of the form of the development, where the 4 pavilions are
situated around the central communal area, and proposed conditions it is considered that the
use can operate whilst preserving the amenity of the surrounding area.
The application does not raise any other significant planning, engineering, building or health
issues and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.



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