A builder has hit back at a council decision to reject a development that would provide a solution to the region’s “terrible” housing crisis.
Gregg Phipps has been the driving force behind a project to deliver a sustainable housing “village” that would provide accommodation for residents facing homelessness.
A development application was submitted in March 2022 to build 32 eco dwellings at 55 Carpenters Road, Cooroy, however last month Noosa Council rejected the proposal.
Mr Phipps said he was “not giving up” on his “moral responsibility” as a builder to help those with vulnerable living circumstances and had now lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment court to fight the decision.
As the managing director of Cooroy-based modular builder Eco Cottages, Mr Phipps told Sunshine Coast News he had hoped the development would provide relief from the crisis.
“We started talking to the Noosa Council three years ago about the site,” he said.
“One of the keys reasons the council used as an excuse to reject the project was the fact it does not match the 2020 Noosa Plan.
“They were happy with the concept in terms of the building that we are doing, just not the site.
“It’s really sad that they rejected it.”
Noosa Council Acting CEO Larry Sengstock said while the council recognised the housing challenges, the application was “contrary to the Strategic Intent and Strategic Outcomes of the Noosa Plan 2020”.
“Council recognises the housing challenges our community is facing, and we welcome proposals that offer smaller, more affordable housing options,” Mr Sengstock said.
“However, it is essential developments are thoughtfully situated and ultimately contribute to positive planning outcomes.
“In this case, there were various reasons why the proposed development was deemed unsuitable for the Carpenters Road site.
“Planning staff explained the reasons, including concerns about access, proximity to industrial zones, and significant conflicts with the planning scheme, to the applicant during a pre-lodgement meeting, as well as on subsequent occasions.
“It is located outside the Urban Boundary, intrudes into a rural residential area, and does not integrate well with the existing settlement pattern and the broader urban areas of the Cooroy community.”
SCN asked if the Noosa Council had recommended an alternative location for the development, however Mr Sengstock said the Council would focus on the key actions of the recently adopted Noosa Housing Strategy 2022.
“We’ve developed a series of planning scheme amendments aimed at facilitating more affordable and social housing,” he said.
“Once these amendments receive state approval, we are eager to undertake public consultation on these before implementing them.
“We’ve also identified Council land suitable for affordable housing and we are working with housing providers to explore options for the site.
“We continue to work with local housing providers, not-for-profits and faith-based organisations to identify housing and crisis accommodation opportunities.”
Mr Phipps said some individuals within the council has supported the development, including Mayor Clare Stewart and Cr Amelia Lorentson.
Cr Lorentson moved a motion at an August 14 meeting to approve the application, seconded by Cr Stewart, however the remaining councillors voted against it.
The development has also had support from Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton.
Mr Phipps said he was now turning to the state government, which is responsible for suppling social and low-cost housing.
“It’s a terrible crisis,” he said. “We’ve all got a moral responsibility to do whatever we can to rectify this really dangerous situation.
“We are now sending our appeal to Steven Miles, Meaghan Scanlon and Rob Skelton.
“We’re hoping the government can override council and approve it.
“If they can’t do that we will persevere and go to court.
“We are not giving up.”
Mr Skelton was contacted for comment.
