Bus Stop Espresso awaits decision on for roadside stall bid from Noosa Council

A Noosa hinterland coffee shop operating from a renovated vintage bus has come under council scrutiny as a decision looms on the popular business. Find out why:

A popular coffee shop operating out of a renovated 1940s bus may be forced to close following a council crackdown on the rural business operation.

Robert and Beth Noy sell coffee, baked goods as well as fresh produce including honey and eggs from a renovated bus at their Cooroy property.

Noosa Council claims the business – Bus Stop Espresso – is not an acceptable use under its rural zoning rules.

Planners have recommended the council refuse an application for the business to continue because selling coffee and baked goods were not appropriate for the rural setting.

A council report said the owners wanted retrospective approval to operate a roadside stall at their Mary River Rd site.

“The roadside stall consists of a bus, covered tables to display produce for sale and seating for patrons to use,” it said.

Noosa Council is set to make a decision on if the Bus Stop Espresso business can continue to operate outside a rural Cooroy property.

But the business may receive a lifeline after Noosa councillors showed support for the popular operation.

Councillor Brian Stockwell put forward an alternative motion at Tuesday morning’s Planning and Environment Committee meeting that the council refer the matter to the full general council meeting on Monday.

He said they should discuss conditions that would allow the business to operate as a roadside stall.

Noosa Council development assessment manager Kerri Coyle said roadside stalls could sell fresh produce as well as produced foods such as jams, pickles and honey made onsite.

She said coffee tastings or the sale of roasted coffee beans would be allowed, but not the sale of coffees.

“The primary use here is as a cafe,” she said.

The report which recommended the refusal said because the proposed use included seating it was “not a rural activity” and should be defined as a food and drink outlet.

“A food and drink outlet is an inconsistent use within the Rural Zone and is required to follow an impact assessable application process,” the report reads.

“(The proposal) is not appropriate for a rural setting as the proposal is a food and drink outlet, which is an inconsistent use in the rural zone.”

The stall features a stationary bus used for sale of coffee from Cooroy Coffee roasters and fresh produce including eggs and honey produced on site as well as other fruits and vegetables grown at nearby hinterland properties.

The report said council was made aware of the bus in September, 2021 via a complaint.

The owners were told a development approval was needed.

It said council staff had observed “at least 10 cars” parked in the area “with patrons spending time on site a lot longer than would typically be anticipated for a roadside stall”.

“While there is a range of goods sold from the store, the sale of coffee appears to be the primary and predominant offering,” it said.

“The definition of a roadside stall does not include or anticipate any consumption on site.”

Councillors were due to vote on the matter at the Noosa Council Planning and Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 12.

The owners of Bus Stop Espresso were approached for comment.