Developers to appeal Eumundi supermarket deemed snub in court

Developers behind a major supermarket proposed for a Sunshine Coast hinterland suburb have taken a significant step after waiting 12 months for approval.

Altum Properties has revealed plans to transform a rural 'island' block at Eumundi with a new supermarket and specialty retail - but it will all be hidden by large trees.

The developers of a proposed supermarket for a Sunshine Coast hinterland suburb are asking a court to step in and decide on the project.

Altum Property Group has applied to the Planning and Environment Group for approval of its supermarket complex at 10 Memorial Dr, Eumundi, in response to Sunshine Coast Council’s “deemed refusal”.

As part of a bid to build Eumundi’s first major supermarket, the Peregian Beach-based developers unveiled plans for the full-line grocery store and speciality realty store in 2022.

The proposed Eumundi supermarket site consists of an approved service station development which covers more than 4293 sqm, with the remainder of the development featuring a 1472 sqm retail centre, with a 1200 sqm supermarket and 272 sqm of specialty retail as well as 76 car park spaces.

Plans for the development revealed that it would be surrounded by trees and shrubbery in order to make it fit in with the character of the township.

Altum Property Group director Alex Rigby said that the court appeal was lodged after waiting 12 months for a decision.

“The council town planners were given a difficult task to decide the future of the Eumundi township within the confines of an outdated town plan that does not fit the needs of Eumundi in 2023,” Mr Rigby said.

“A decision was due September 2022.

“They couldn’t make a decision, so we’ve put a deemed refusal in.”

Altum Property Group has revealed plans to open a small supermarket at Eumundi.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed the applicant lodged a “deemed refusal” prior to council making a decision.

“This application is currently in appeal and the council is unable to provide any specific comments regarding this appeal,” the spokesperson said.

Plans for the proposed supermarket site at Eumundi.

An Economic Need and Impact Assessment report submitted as part of the application says there is “strong demand” for the development, given residents travel to either Yandina, Cooroy or Noosa to access full-line supermarkets.

There appeared to be a strong level of support from the community for the supermarket during the public notification period in 2022, with the impact-assessable development attracting 165 submissions with more than 150 submissions supportive of the proposal.

In regards to the legal proceeding, it is understood that directions from the court cannot be sought until after September 18, 2023.