An apartment development has been given the green light in a beachside community, with construction expected to begin next year.
Sunshine Coast Council has approved the residential project at 27, 29 and 31 First Avenue, Coolum Beach, subject to conditions.
The development, being marketed as Orvo Coolum by Sunshine Coast developer Scanlon Group, will replace existing homes and vegetation across the 3036sqm site.
The development permit was issued to applicant 2731 Property Pty Ltd on October 6 for a four-storey multiple dwelling project with basement parking.
Approved plans provide for 43 apartments, comprising 26 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom residences, along with rooftop communal facilities.
Scanlon Group said eight of the apartments would be marketed as ‘Sky Homes’, including four single-storey and four two-storey residences, with upgraded finishes, layouts, enclosed parking and additional storage.
Managing director Tony Scanlon said securing approval was an important milestone.
“I’ve called Coolum home for decades, so we’re conscious of our responsibility when we undertake a project in the area,” Mr Scanlon said.
“We’ve taken the time to work through the design and planning process properly and we’re pleased to now have approval to move forward.
“Orvo has been designed as a considered residential development, with the focus on the quality of the homes, the way the building sits on the site and the amenity it provides to residents.”
When Sunshine Coast News reported on the application in July, planning documents showed the proposal would exceed the preferred residential density for the area under the Multi-Unit Residential Uses Code.
The plans also listed site cover at 69 per cent, compared with a preferred maximum of 40 per cent.
At the time, the applicant argued the higher-density outcome was appropriate because of the site’s Medium Density Residential zoning, proximity to Coolum Beach’s district centre, services, recreation areas, beach access and public transport.
It also argued much of the calculated site cover included open balconies and planters, and the development would remain compatible with the surrounding mix of apartments, holiday accommodation, duplexes and lower-scale housing.
Council’s final Statement of Reasons does not identify any approval despite non-compliance with assessment benchmarks. It states the assessment manager found the development complied with the relevant benchmarks once conditions were imposed.
Those conditions include a maximum height of 12m above natural ground level, privacy screening, landscaping requirements and acoustic treatments.
Council-annotated plans dated September 25 also include changes to the frontage, communal areas and internal layout.
A minimum of 69 car spaces must be provided, including 11 visitor spaces, together with two motorcycle spaces.
First Avenue must be upgraded along the development frontage, including a new footpath, reinstatement of redundant access points and pedestrian-safety measures around the basement driveway.
Council has also imposed operating limits on parts of the rooftop communal area, which cannot operate outside 7am to 10pm, while service vehicle movements are restricted to 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and prohibited on Sundays and public holidays.
Approval documents refer to rooftop facilities including a residents’ lodge, gym, functional training area, outdoor kitchen and barbecue facilities, washrooms, steam room and sauna.
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Mr Scanlon said the project would contribute to the local economy through construction and its ongoing operation.
Scanlon Group has previously delivered projects including Peregian Village Market and Essence of Peregian Beach.
The company expects construction to begin in the first half of 2027, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2028.
“We know Coolum well and we understand that developments need to work within the character and expectations of the community,” Mr Scanlon said.
“Our focus now is on delivering what has been approved and making sure the project is executed to the standard we expect from a Scanlon Group development.”
