A controversial new five-star resort proposed for Noosa is likely to be rejected, less than a week after it was recommended for approval.
The intention to block the development comes after Noosa councillors expressed their concern for the project at a General Committee Meeting on Monday.
This is despite a report by the development assessment manager to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting on July 11 that recommended its approval, subject to conditions.
The $50 million Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort development was set to be a 106-room hotel located on a 3.8-hectare site near the existing Noosa Spring clubhouse facilities.
An application was first submitted to Noosa Council in June 2021, which then had to be amended to fit within the 12-metre height limit and address environmental concerns.
About 450 residents made submissions against the proposed development, while Unitywater also expressed concerns about the resort’s close proximity to the Noosa sewage treatment plant.
However, during the July 17 meeting Councillor Brian Stockwell moved a motion against the hotel development, with emphasis on the fact it did not align with Noosa’s planning scheme.
The motion outlined inconsistencies with the Noosa Plan 2020, noting the subject land was outside of the urban growth boundary and the proposed development would result in the overdevelopment site.
It also noted a resort complex was inconsistent for the Recreation and Open Space Zone, and the varying impacts and risks it would have on the sewage treatment plant.
“When assessed against Noosa Plan 2020, the proposed development is not suitable for urban development,” the motion read.
“The proposed development has failed to demonstrate a significant planning need to develop outside of the urban boundary, particularly at the density and intensity proposed and where inconsistent with the local landscape character.
“Nor has any overriding community benefit been demonstrated, which would justify approval despite its conflict with the planning scheme.
“Many valid planning grounds have been raised by submitters that the proposal represents an unacceptable level of impact on the amenity of the locality.
“Further, the development exceeds what a community member could reasonably expect because of the change to the Tourism Accommodation Zone when the Noosa Plan 2020 was advertised.
“A valid submission from Unitywater identifies potential risks and flow-on costs associated with the proposed development of additional sensitive receptors within the Recreation and Open Space Zone in proximity to the Noosa Sewage Treatment Plant.”
The motion was carried unanimously and the decision is expected to be made official at the Ordinary Meeting on Thursday.
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