A “significantly amended” extension to a resort will go ahead following a lengthy Planning and Environment Court battle.
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) has been granted approval to build 15 cabins over land at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads.
Following an 18-month appeal, Noosa Council and RACV Noosa Resort agreed to settle after “striking a balance” through the mediation process.
A judgment document filed on September 1 states “the appeal be allowed” subject to a raft of conditions relating to building height, amenity, building appearance, stormwater drainage, landscaping and tree retention.
“The changed development application for a development permit for a material change of use for short-term accommodation (15 cabins) be approved subject to the conditions and plans of development,” the document said.
Noosa Council said it was “satisfied” with the the amended proposal and “strict” development conditions.
The council initially refused the application in November 2023 amid concerns about “unacceptable loss of vegetation” and conflicts with the Noosa Plan 2020.
During the appeal process, several “without prejudice” meetings occurred between the council and the applicant.
This resulted in amendments to the proposed plans to reduce site cover and increase vegetation retention.
Updated plans lodged with the court in July revealed 100 trees would be removed to build the cabins, with 142 to be retained.
Noosa Council director of development and regulation Richard Macgillivray said the amended development layout “strikes the right balance”.
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“It’s been a good consultative process to find an appropriate compromise,” he said.
“While refusing the original proposal was justified, we consider the revised proposal aligns with planning requirements and imposes strict environmental and development conditions.”
Mr MacGillivray said the amended proposal retained the 15 eco-cabins while introducing improved stormwater detention measures, smaller cabin sizes and an appropriate ecological buffer, and placing the entire development within the Urban Footprint and Tourist Accommodation zone.
“Council remains committed to protecting Noosa’s environmental values and wants sustainable developments that meet community expectations,” he said.
RACV Noosa Resort manager Darren McClenaghan said the cabins would be an welcome addition to the existing resort.
“RACV Noosa Resort is excited about the approval of our 15 eco-villas that will deliver a unique nature-based experience for our guests,” Mr McClenaghan said.
“The elevated lightweight building design and connected boardwalk will be thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
“The design aligns with the resort’s industry-leading eco-certifications and will further contribute economic benefits to the local community.”
RACV has until September 1, 2031, to begin work on the development before the approval lapses.
