A new short-term accomodation facility has been given approval, with councillors praising the developer’s plan

The accomodation along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will help boost tourism even further for the region and will include a plunge pool. Details:

A purpose-built accommodation facility will become a first for the Somerset region and the small town of Linville in the region’s north.

Somerset Regional Council on Wednesday approved a development application that will cater to cyclists using the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The development at David Street, Linville, is a short-term accommodation site with three bunk bedrooms and a plunge pool on 1146m2 of vacant land.

With just a 300m walk to the Brisbane Rail Trail in Linville, it’s designed primarily to cater to overnight stays for cyclists using the trail.

Councillor Sean Choat said the new development would fill a void in the Somerset region.

“It has been discussed at length since I’ve been on council that in the Somerset, we do lack accommodation opportunities, particularly in the north,” Cr Choat said.

“It’s great to see an applicant put in a good application with a good development that will be very well received by visitors to the region and help the town, that in recent years, has really stepped up.”

The new facility will include three short-term accommodation rooms, each with a bunk bed, along with access to a communal kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.

The proposal also includes a managers residence with one bedroom, a plunge pool, and communal deck area.

Secure storage of bikes is also provided at each room as well as a mudroom at the front of the premises.

Director of Planning and Development Luke Hannan told the council it was a first for the region.

“This is the first I’ve seen in our region that’s purpose built for the rail trail and to accommodate users of the trail,” he said.

“It’s very encouraging.”