132007.2446.05 - REQUEST FOR AN OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - VISITOR ACCOMMODATION TYPE 4 CONVENTIONAL (VISITOR HOSTEL) TO INCLUDE 11 ADDITIONAL BEDS AT 102 PACIFIC AVENUE SUNSHINE BEACH · Report

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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                           12 AUGUST 2025


  Zone                            Low Density Residential zone

  Precinct                        Not applicable

  Local Plan Area                 Coastal Communities

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This application seeks an Other change approval to an existing Development Permit for Material
Change of Use - Visitor accommodation Type 4 Conventional (Visitor Hostel) at 102 Pacific Ave
Sunshine Beach (Flashpackers Noosa).
The changes request approval for:
   •   an additional 11 beds (from the approved 69 to 80 beds) to be located within a new second
       storey at the northwestern side of the site; and
   •   one additional carpark space at the northwest frontage of the site.
The site is contained within the Low Density Residential zone and the Coastal Communities Local
Plan area. The expansion of the use at the site for a visitor hostel is an inconsistent use within the
zone and is subject to Impact assessment.

During the public notification of the application 3 properly made submissions were received. Matters
raised relate to impacts on the local traffic network, potential privacy and overlooking between
properties, and acoustic concerns. Other matters raised included the screening of view lines and
the potential impact expansion of the facility would have on surrounding property values.

While short-term accommodation is not typically supported within the Low Density Residential Zone,
the presence of an existing approved visitor accommodation use on the site (see Attachment 2),
combined with the minor nature of the proposed alterations and the effective mitigation of potential
impacts, provides sufficient justification to support the proposal in this instance.

The use complies with built form Acceptable outcomes of the scheme insofar as building setbacks,
height and onsite car parking relevant to the Low Density residential code. A range of visitor
accommodation is needed within the Shire within appropriately zoned and approved tourist
accommodation sites. The proposal demonstrates sufficient merit while managing impacts and is
recommended for conditional approval.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Senior Town planner to the Planning & Environment Committee
Meeting dated 12 August 2025 regarding application 132007.2446.05 for an Other Change to a
Development Permit for Material Change of Use for Visitor Accommodation Type 4 Conventional
(Visitor Hostel) for an additional 11 beds at 102 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach and
   A. Approve a change to the development approval.
   B. Include additional conditions 104 – 123.
   C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016.
   D. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the
      application:
         1.   The proposed development will occur within a site already approved for visitor
              accommodation.
         2.    A range of visitor accommodation is needed within the Shire. The relatively minor
              increase in bed numbers for the site can be appropriately incorporated while managing
              impacts.

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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                  12 AUGUST 2025


     3. The proposed development height complies with the Low Density residential zone
        maximum height of 8.0 metres above ground level.
     4. The proposed development setbacks to side and rear boundaries comply with the Low
        Density residential zone code.
     5. The proposed development on site car parking provision complies with Noosa plan 2020
        Works code - Driveways and parking code.
     6. The applicant has prepared a site-specific acoustic assessment which has been peer
        reviewed. The peer review supports the recommendations of the acoustic assessment
        which have been included within the conditions of the approval.