A judge has ruled in favour of a new childcare centre for a growing business hub following its rejection by a local council.
In June 2024, Noosa Council refused a development application for the early learning centre on part of a 2478sqm vacant block at Hofmann Drive, Noosaville.
At the time, councillors extensively debated the development’s location within the Noosa Business Centre at Noosa Civic while acknowledging the need for a centre within the precinct.
Among the reasons given by the council for refusing the application was that it did not include a 10m-wide garden buffer along Hofmann Drive as required under sections of the Noosa Plan, and that the use was inconsistent with the major centre zoning.
Other reasons were that the proposed building would not have a minimum ceiling height of 2.7m as per the Sustainable Building Design Code, and that a bicycle parking facility would impede access.
Developer Stockwell then lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court based on the claim that the council’s decision was wrong and contrary to law.
During the appeal process, Stockwell proposed changes to the original plans including addressing the setback by increasing the vegetation buffer from 4m to 7m.
Other changes included reconfiguring the internal layout to increase the gross floor area, which would boost the centre’s capacity from 96 to 98 children.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
The car park layout was also modified to include a dedicated turning bay, two additional parking spaces and the relocation of bicycle parking to the rear of the site.
Adjustments were also made to the stormwater design to increase rainwater storage and for the inclusion of an in-ground treatment device.
The size of the development would increase by 757.2sqm to accommodate the changes.
On June 26, Judge Michael Williamson ordered the development be allowed.
According to documentation, the centre can operate from 6am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Sunshine Coast News has contacted Stockwell for further comment.
