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279_response to council letter · 51988.2849.05
ABN 44 634 748 590 Project: NOOSA ON THE BEACH BUP 8884 - ARCADE REFURBISHMENT Project No: 279 To: NOOSA COUNCIL - Andrew Gaffney Date: 22.04.2026 Subject: RESPONSE TO COUNCIL LETTER Andrew, Your letter “Further Advice – Development Application”, dated 21 April 2026 refers. The issue raised in this letter refers to the Approved Plans TPC2021. In response to your opening statement, over a series of previous renovations, these “landscaped” areas, which were only four 1m diameter “pots” and a water feature, were removed due to them cluttering the space and making it difficult for people to move efficiently through the space, especially when it rains. Since those initially approved plans, only the ease of movement has been improved. The water feature has since been converted to a planter. There were also a series of steps that were clumsy. These have since also been removed and the space made more user friendly. The current proposal illustrates a number of new awnings at ground level providing a subtropical design solution to deal with the natural elements. The building’s central void is created by raising its central glazed roof high up the building, with a louvred glass screen permitting continuous airflow through the atrium. The proposed design seeks to improve on the amenity of the establishment by providing shelter from the rain and battened screening protection from the sun, whilst retaining the existing volume by placing the glazed pergola as high as aesthetically possible. The high specification energy efficient glass allows for the clearest vision possible to the sky, albeit in a more controlled fashion. Reflecting on the current Noosa Plan 2020, I illustrate accordingly how the proposal responds favourably to each of the following referenced Acceptable Outcomes (shown in RED) of the Noosa Heads Local Plan code, which supports the proposed development: AO8.1 Development takes the form of small separate buildings rather than large single bulky buildings, stepping down slopes where applicable and not visually dominating the street, beachfront, riverfront, adjacent properties, surrounding spaces or the existing skyline. The proposal accentuates the “small separate buildings” concept of the AO by introducing the lightweight subtropical designed pergolas at varying levels and retaining the building structures in their original format. The front glazed louvre screen is set back significantly at 2600mm from the existing building facade. This is greater than a standard side boundary setback. The deliberate transparency of the breathable screen further promotes the spatial arrangement of the original structure. The proposal retains the distinct existing building forms, as is demonstrated in the enclosed render package. AO8.2 Buildings and structures have a scale and building height consistent with development on adjoining and surrounding land. The proposal does not add to the scale or height to the existing building in any way and therefore does not negatively impact on any adjoining building or surrounding land. The structure of the central void roof facing the street is 1300mm lower than the existing building parapet, therefore in itself not impacting on any adjoining property. AO8.3 Buildings and structures preserve the amenity of adjoining land including sunlight to neighbouring properties. The existing building height and scale are not increased and do therefore not negatively impact on the amenity nor the sunlight to any neighbouring properties. AO8.4 Development respects the scale of surrounding vegetation and maximises the opportunity for retention of existing vegetation and incorporates soft landscaping between buildings. 279_response to council letter.docx p.o box 1982 noosa heads qld 4567 australia t 61(0)400 500 980 e [email protected] w www.maddockdesign.com
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The proposal does not remove any landscaping between buildings and does not impact on the street landscaping
either. The proposal seeks to improve the existing landscaping on the property itself.
AO8.5 Buildings and structures:
a. incorporate articulated roof forms which are visible from the street;
The existing building forms are accentuated by the new pergola structures that are created of three
elements, as presented to the street, assisted by the colour variation between the existing buildings and the
pergola structure.
b. incorporate a mix of lightweight and textured external building materials or materials that reflect the natural
environment such as timber and rock face;
The proposal expands on the palette of existing materials. These elements, by way of lightweight material
and finish further enhance and accentuate the forms of the existing structures. Timber is not used due to
maintenance concerns for the Body Corporate. Rock face is not a local material traditionally used. We have
however used stone tiles throughout the renovation to provide a more elegant result, conducive to the
Hastings Street locale.
c. provide variation through articulation, texture and detailing;
Here too, the new proposed elements improve the articulation of the existing structures and offer an
enhanced level of texture and detailing, all while retaining the light and improving the amenity of the
property. Generally, the provision of the aluminium battens spaced well below the steel and glass structure
provides texture to the space.
d. incorporate verandahs, open balconies or shaded patios for outdoor living, with open, transparent or semi-
open balustrades;
The proposed pergola structures present as a series verandahs and shaded patios, all being transparent,
adding a dimension of texture to the development, demonstrating a sub-tropical design that enhances the
streetscape like no other in Hastings Street
e. use understated colour schemes and low-reflective roofing and cladding materials.
Other than the existing white building facades, the new materials are of muted, natural tones.
AO12 Development:
a. respects the layout, scale (including height and setback) and character of development on adjoining sites;
The layout and scale (including height and setback) of the existing structures do not change with this
proposal. Given that the proposal is of a sub-tropical design aesthetic, it not only respects the adjoining
site, but enhances the streetscape
b. includes detailing and articulation for horizontal emphasis;
The proposed pergola structures are designed as horizontal elements that unite the various existing
structures. They reduce the vertical emphasis of the existing main building.
c. provides a fine scale of built form;
form
The proposed pergolas are defined as a refinement to the existing buildings, at a height and scale that
relates well to the street and passersby.
As demonstrated above, along with the render package provided, the proposal complies with each of the Acceptable
Outcomes raised in your letter.
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In summary, the height of the proposed glass roof structure accentuates the volume, retaining the openness of the
space and improves the amenity of the existing development immeasurably below. Lowering this roof would be a
disastrous result to both the amenity of the space and the aesthetic appeal to the street. The more squat version,
as suggested, will not present a balanced result to the two strong existing masonry elements.
The proposed roof, is a system of structural steel, clear glass and aluminium battens; a mix of lightweight and
varying textured external building materials that results in a light and highly articulated element, which is both
consistent with and improves upon the original approval and built form within Hastings Street.
Further, apart from bringing proportion and balance to the massing of the building, these pergola elements provide
shading to the building interior, making it a more sustainable building. A feature that Noosa Council heavily leans
on in any development. These pergola elements replace the ill-conceived shade sails spanned across the void and
the white glass awnings that do not permit any view to the sky.
The proposal is a well considered and defined design, following a practical environmental logic, that responds
positively to the local climate and the context of the built environment.
Despite this being a private development, the property provides a much needed thoroughfare between the street
and the beach. There is no other private enterprise along Hastings Street that provides this civic realm. It is a unique
development. Most of the foot traffic through this development is utilized as thoroughfare. The extent to which the
Body Corporate has attempted to upgrade this facility, for the benefit largely to the community, should be
encouraged and applauded by council.
Please contact me to discuss any further queries or points of view.
Gavin Maddock
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