In December last year Sunshine Coast Council rejected a 265 lot development application at SW Yandina because the developer, Noel Covey, failed to comply with a request to modify the plan in order to meet Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (2014) requirements.
Brothers Gordon and Murray Oakes who own the former cane land bordered by Wappa Falls, Creighton and Bracken Fern Roads have lodged an appeal against Council’s refusal in the Planning and Environment Court.
The 12 reasons for refusal given in the Sunshine Coast Council’s Notice about Decision include:
- The plan did not reflect traditional rural town residential qualities such as large lots, open streetscapes and mature street trees nor did it provide for larger than average lot sizes which appropriately transition to adjacent properties on Wappa Falls Road and Bracken Fern Road.
- No vegetated buffer had been provided between the industrial land to the east and the housing estate, nor along Wappa Falls Road.
- The drainage line in the SW corner had not been protected.
- Road A (which will carry traffic from Creightons Road and the estate) had not been designed to operate in a safe and efficient manner.
Yandina and District Community Association (YADCA) president, Marie Reeve said the design of Road A was critical for over 100 property owners south of the subdivision, all of whom will be forced to negotiate the 4 roundabouts in the housing estate once the Creightons Road exit is closed. “These are rural properties, owning or requiring the services of big vehicles like trucks with earth moving equipment, tankers for sewerage pump outs and horse floats. Road A needs to be able to accommodate this type of traffic. The speed limit will also have to be reduced from 70 km/h to 40 km/h or 50 km/h.”
Gordon Oakes is quoted as saying in 2018 that “we will take some pride in it (the subdivision) and hopefully do it right for Yandina.” Ms Reeve said “It’s not too late to create an estate we would all be proud of. Unfortunately the current design has many local residents concerned. Even though this is a code assessable development application, Council received more than 200 submissions from residents.
Developers should abide by Council’s Planning Scheme Requirements. Performance Outcomes spell out what is expected. The Community rely on these Performance Outcomes to ensure everybody’s interests are protected.” Marie said.
