The owners of a small block of three units have put forward a plan to turn it backpacker accommodation.
The units at 17 Russell Street, Noosaville, are currently approved as short-term accommodation for up to 18 people.
Mathew and Stephni Haydok propose to redevelop and extend the building to 15 rooms, accommodating up to 60 guests.
A report submitted with a development application by Adapt Town Planning on their behalf says the development would help fill a need for affordable short-stay accommodation in the area.
“Importantly, the proposed development intends to provide much-needed affordable short- to medium-term accommodation (maximum of three months) for backpackers, tourists and transient workers,” it says.
The report says that under the proposal, parts of the existing three-storey building would be demolished but the majority of it would be retained and repurposed.
The building would be extended towards the rear of the property, continuing at three storeys.
When complete, the building would have a ground floor comprising foyer and reception, two rooms for people with disabilities, a communal kitchen, outdoor dining, pool and pool terrace, and laundry.
The two levels above would each have seven rooms, three with ensuites, plus communal bathroom facilities and balcony spaces.
The report says the development would have parking for six vehicles and a turntable, and points out that would exceed the five spaces required under the Planning Scheme for short-term accommodation of that size.
It suggests the parking should be sufficient with management.
“The proposed backpacker accommodation primarily caters for guests using non-vehicular modes of transport,” it says.
“A shuttle bus service will provide guest pick-up/drop-off operations to and from nearby locations.
“Additionally, the site is located within a 400m radius (comfortable five-minute walk) of six TransLink bus stops, providing sufficient public transport facilities to accommodate trips to and from the site.”
It acknowledges the Planning Scheme requires one motorcycle space for every two rooms but says there is not expected to be “practical parking demand” by patrons for motorcycle parking.
Sunshine Coast News attempted to contact the Haydoks through their town planner.
The report describes the development as an expansion of the existing approved use, therefore consistent with the intent of the Noosa Planning Scheme, and consistent with the site’s location next to the Noosa River Holiday Park and other short-term accommodation in Russell Street.
