Defying the trend: Noosa holiday units look for a residential revival

Three units are being assessed by Noosa Council planners as part of a multiple dwelling application designed to diversify accommodation choices.

The unit accommodation complex on 219 Weyba Road.

As concerns continue to be raised in Noosa about the proliferation of short-term accommodation at the cost of permanent stays, three local apartment units could soon be bucking the trend.

Units 11, 12 and 13 on 219 Weyba Road built more than 40 years ago are now being assessed by Noosa Council planners as part of a multiple dwelling application.

The site was approved by council in November, 1979 for use as accommodation units which ruled out “a caretaker’s residence, dwelling house or multiple dwelling”.

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According to the Noosa Council planning reference guide, a multiple dwelling means a residential use of premises involving three or more dwellings, whether attached or detached, for separate households.

The application has been made by Kelly Martin and Ken Makinson and Gillian Clare Knight and Lois Leigh Kuenkel on a sited zone medium density residential.

Their planning consultant Tiani Boulton of Adapt Planning Pty Ltd in her submission to council said the applicants sought to also retain the short-term accommodation land use as well.

The three units wanting to become a multiple dwelling to diversify accommodation choices in Noosaville.

Ms Boulton said the zoning was designed to accommodate a greater diversity in housing types including dual occupancies, multiple dwellings, retirement facilities and residential care facilities.

“The region is currently undergoing a housing crisis, particularly with more and more houses being removed from the permanent residential rental pool in favour of short-term accommodation options, and interstate relocations due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Boulton said.

“In this regard the proposed development seeks to offer a greater diversification of land uses within an established building.

“Units 12 and 13 are owner-occupied. Unit 11 and the unit directly below the subject units is a permanent rental.”

Ms Boulton said the majority of the units within the complex have been used for permanent rentals rather than for holiday letting within the last 12 months.

Originally published as Defying the trend: Noosa holiday units look for a residential revival