An application has been lodged to build cabins as part of a nature-based tourism development on a rural property.
The proposal seeks to build two cabins and a lodge for the purpose of accommodating tourists.
Documentation has been submitted to Noosa Council seeking a material change of use at 341 Dr Pages Road, Cootharaba.
A development assessment report from URBN Town Planning, on behalf of its client Sue and Christopher James Sweet, outlines that the 101.32-hectare site is currently undeveloped, apart from a shed on the property.
The site is used for grazing of livestock and the boundary is on Kin Kin Creek.
“It is noted that the development will be staged, with individual stages for both of the cabins and the lodge,” the report states.
“The proposed cabins, which comprise of a 35sqm footprint, contain a single bedroom as well as combined kitchen, lounge and dining area.
“The cabin also contains a storage loft, which is accessed internally.
“By way of the lodge, the floor plan contains two bedrooms and contains a central living and dining area, with an overall ground floor area of 111.65sqm.
“The proposed lodge will contain a slab-on-ground construction, with a building height of approximately 4.8 metres.”
An operational management plan was also submitted as part of the application.
“The venue will operate as a nature-based tourism use that has a primary focus on natural environment, including the rural landscapes, environmental features and dark sky elements,” it said.
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“These elements corroborate to creating an environment which is peaceful and operates at a slower pace than short-term accommodation offerings in coastal and urban areas.
“The accommodation buildings have been sensitively designed to avoid impacts to the environment and key landscapes, through a high-set design for the cabins and the lodge being located on a level portion of the site.
“The accommodation buildings have been designed to take advantage of natural views and vistas, and contains a design that is sensitive to and will not dominate the rural landscape character.
“The cabins have been designed to accommodate couples, with the lodge containing potential to accommodate up to four people.”
To manage noise impacts, amplified music will not be permitted and guests will not be allowed to bring motorcycles on the property.
According to the report, as the proposal does not exceed four cabins or include conference of function facilities, it will be code assessable against the planning scheme.
It does not involve “prescribed” tree clearing or associated operational works.
The proposal is currently undergoing assessment.
