A new car wash proposed for a block of land with conflicting uses could get the green light, based on a recommendation for approval.
The development has been listed for discussion at the upcoming Sunshine Coast Council meeting on December 12.
It seeks a material change of use to establish a car wash facility at 211 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs.
A report from council planning staff recommends the car wash for approval, despite conflicts with the current zoning plan.
The site is located on the corner block adjacent to the Ampol petrol station and fast-food precinct in Sippy Downs.
The proposal, which was submitted to the council on May 30, was subject to public consultation that ran from September 2 to 24.
Eight submissions were received, with seven against the proposal and one in support.
The land is within the community facilities zone and is annotated for an emergency services use.
According to the town planning report, the block was once state government land but is now privately owned.
“At the time of preparation of the planning scheme, the land was owned by the state government and intended for emergency services use,” the reported stated.
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“The land has since been deemed surplus and unsuitable for emergency services use by the state and sold for private development purposes.”
While the use is considered “in conflict with the purpose of the community facilities zone code”, the council recommendation noted “relevant matters that warrant approval”.
Those include that changes in zoning circumstances discounts the intent for the site to be used for emergency services and that there were no other community activities that would be suited to the site.
It also outlines the need for a car wash in the Sippy Downs precinct.
“There is a planning need for a car wash to be established in Sippy Downs and there are no other sites better suited for the proposed use.
“The establishment of a car wash on the site would maintain the integrity of the Sippy Downs town centre, and therefore achieve the planning outcomes sought by the Sippy Downs local plan code.”
According to the report, other community activities that could be appropriate for the site include a childcare centre.
“It is noted that Sippy Downs is already provided with a number of childcare centres close to the site.”
If approved, the car wash would encompass a gross floor area of 274sqm with four manual wash bays, an automatic wash, a wash tunnel, six vacuum bays, three staff car parking spaces.
Access is proposed from Sippy Downs Drive via an existing access easement on the service station lot.
Division 6 councillor Christian Dickson, who represents the Sippy Downs area, posted about the proposal on social media on December 3.
“Have you heard of the proposed car wash at Sippy Downs?” he wrote.
“Council staff are recommending approval at next week’s monthly council meeting.
“Note that this is the previous emergency services land near the police station that the previous state government sold without any community consultation. Now that the land is privately owned, council must lawfully undertake the assessment of any formally submitted development applications.
“Things that could occur on the site include childcare facilities, potentially a hotel, mechanics or other fast food uses. Some say a car wash is the least impactful use in terms of amenity and traffic impacts.”
