Objection MCU18

Performance Outcomes - Medium Density Residential Zone Code

Acceptable outcomes: A06.2 Short-term accommodation does not: b) create noise that
would unreasonably impact on the residential amenity enjoyed by the adjoining or
surrounding properties.

The applicants have indicated (Response to Information Request 23 June, 2021) they intend
to accommodate 8 people per unit; 16 in total. This proposal is a clear over-use of the site.
The proposed rate of occupancy is clearly excessive. 8 persons in a 2 bedroom unit would
clearly result in an unacceptable and unreasonable loss of amenity to the adjoining property
and surrounding properties.

Noosa dwellings are occupied on average by 2.5 people (Census 2016). The units at 10 Hill
St feature open plan living and meals areas opening to outdoor living, entertainment and
pool areas There are balconies front and rear. The units are mirror copies. Notably there are
bedrooms, upstairs at the rear of both units, which open onto balconies, and are situated
above the outdoor dining, entertainment and pool areas. Sound from one unit will thus
travel freely to the other, particularly in these open areas. Bedrooms, sleeping areas, will be
particularly affected. Any ordinary usage of the outdoor areas, particularly at night, will
compromise the amenity of the adjoining unit. If both units are (as currently) designated for
residential usage, the occupants have an opportunity to be aware of and considerate to the
amenity of their immediate neighbours. Any disputes that arise are capable of being
resolved by negotiation as it is in the interests of both parties to co-operate. However if one
unit is residential and one STA, there is no incentive for STA users to co-operate. They have
paid their money and they intend to obtain the full bang for their buck, frequently with
disastrous impacts on the adjoining residents.

The design of the units makes them vulnerable to noise nuisance. With an average
occupancy of 2.5 persons residing permanently, this vulnerability may be able to be
managed. With a proposed occupancy of 8 STA guests, and how many guests of guests - the
applicants do not indicate - the amenity of the adjoining unit would be so compromised as
to be unliveable. The unreasonable noise nuisance will be compounded if both units are
approved for STA usage. The guests of each unit will “enjoy” a very adverse visitor
experience if their behaviours are not compatible. For example a couple with 1 or 2 young
children will be hard pressed to enjoy their stay and obtain any sleep if the adjoining unit is
host to 8 guests plus guests of guests, no matter how well or poorly behaved the larger
grouping is. Experience tells us that 8 guests and their guests, utilising a confined outdoor
dining and entertainment and pool area will be excessively noisy. This outcome is readily
foreseeable.

Even if the occupancy rates were halved to 4, noise transference between the units would
still be a significant problem, which, I assert is unable to be mitigated to a level appropriate
to residential amenity. A simple dinner party or family dinner in 1 unit would make sleep
impossible in the adjoining unit. An equivalent gathering in the adjoining unit - 2 competing
dinner parties - would be adverse to both parties. Add music to the mix, and ceaselessly
barking/yapping dogs, and the situation would be intolerable. These are the sort of issues

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