Andrew Stevens, Managing Director comments on the Sekisui House Approval.
This week the Planning and Environment Court dismissed a submitter appeal against Council’s approval of a Sekisui House development at Yaroomba on the Sunshine Coast.
Building height was one of the key issues in the appeal. Despite pressure from anti-development groups, the judgement demonstrates that the planning scheme does allow for innovative, “outside the box” developments such as Sekisui House’s Yaroomba project.
The judgement supports performance-based assessment and clearly confirmed that the Proposal was compliant with the Planning Scheme.
As Planning Consultants for Sekisui House, the unwavering position held that the proposal was compliant with the Planning Scheme and critical to securing the Development Approval. This position was also validated by the Planning and Environment Court.
The judgment provides a strong reminder to our industry that high quality developments with significant community benefits can be supported by the planning scheme utilising this performance approach. For Yaroomba Beach the Court acknowledged the significant benefits of tourism, jobs and public amenities generated on such a strategic site.
I have been asked several times since the judgement was handed down whether I was concerned about this decision opening the flood gates for other similar development on the Sunshine Coast.
My response is this… “If we were to have a flood of developments that are even close to the quality of the Sekisui House Yaroomba project, then we would be the most fortunate region in Australia!”
The first stages of the development will include a five-star resort complex consisting of a 220 room Westin Resort and Spa, conference facilities, commercial space and 133 multiple dwellings.
I congratulate Sekisui House on this significant outcome.
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