A townhouse complex with 39 three-bedroom units is being planned for a high-growth area of the Sunshine Coast.
The one-hectare site at 22-24 and 26-28 Toral Drive, Buderim, had previous approval for a medium-density residential care facility but lack of demand has seen the applicant pivot to a planning a multiple-dwelling development.
A development assessment report by Project Urban on behalf of applicant Steve Watson Commercial and Property Consulting says the project would provide infill housing close to employment, education and activity centres in Sippy Downs.
“By introducing 39 new dwellings on fully serviced urban land within walking and cycling distance of UniSC, schools, local employment and public transport, the proposal directly supports the functioning of this regional employment and knowledge node by providing convenient housing for students, key workers and households linked to nearby education, health, technology and service industries,” it says.
The proposal comprises 39 three-bedroom townhouses in a “clustered” layout of 12 separate blocks. The maximum building height would be 8.5m.
A total of 68 car parking spaces would be provided, which is equal to council requirements.
Part of the site is within an Environmental Management and Conservation Zone but the report says the proposed development does not extend into this area.
It says a residential care facility had previously been planned for the site.
“Council has previously supported alternative medium-density development on the site in the form of an approved residential care facility, which enabled the delivery of the Jorl Court Drainage Strategy, including the construction of a regional stormwater detention basin on adjoining land at 20-22 Jorl Court and its subsequent dedication to council by the landowner under an executed infrastructure agreement,” it states.
“That agreement supported an increased residential development yield on the subject site in recognition of the significant community benefit delivered.
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.
“Following several years of market testing, demand for aged care accommodation in this locality has not materialised to support delivery of the previously approved facility.
“In this context, and having demonstrated goodwill through facilitation of critical regional drainage infrastructure, the landowner now seeks to transition the supported residential yield into a multiple-dwelling development that aligns with the current housing demand.”
The report says a pre-lodgement meeting with Sunshine Coast Council took place in March 2025 proposing to reconfigure the site into 18 lots ranging in size from 327sqm to 481sqm.
“Council advised that, in its current form, the proposal to subdivide the site into 18 small residential lots is unlikely to be supported, primarily due to concerns regarding lot size, layout efficiency, transport outcomes and the treatment of land within the Environmental Management and Conservation Zone,” it says.
“Council further indicated that an alternative development format, such as a multiple-dwelling or unit-title arrangement, may present a more appropriate planning outcome for the locality.”
The report concedes proposed communal open space accounts for just 6 per cent of the site – below the 10 per cent required – but says this shortfall is offset by a planned bushwalk track in the vegetation protection zone behind the property.
The proposal is subject to impact assessment.
