Peregian Beach corner store developer bails out of court action against Noosa Council

Critics of a development proposed for a prime Peregian Beach block have welcomed the owner’s decision to bail out of court action.

The sudden end to a court dispute for the controversial development of a prime beachfront block has left Noosa Council out of pocket.

Developer Andema has bailed out of its court action against the council’s refusal of a proposed office, dining and retail precinct at the former Peregian Beach Friendly Grocer in Herron Street.

Peregian Beach Community Association welcomed the decision and called on the developer to lodge new plans for the village square site for a more suitable development.

It is understood the developer and the council will cover their own court fees.

An artist’s view of the proposed redevelopment that was refused for Peregian’s old corner store block. Contributed

Development assessment manager Kerri Coyle said the council’s costs were minimal because the matter was withdrawn before it went to court.

Ms Coyle did not confirm the costs but the community association previously claimed it was more than $344,000.

Association spokesperson Barry Cotterell called for new plans for the site that was now run-down with “rats and filth”.

“Andema should show that it is committed to the redevelopment of this important site by starting the demolition of the existing premises which it has allowed to become an eyesore,” he said.

“A new application will require a two metre setback of the second floor on the Peregian Village Square (western) side of the building and the provision of disability access either by lift or escalators to any second floor.”

The abandoned Friendly Grocer site at Peregian Beach that developer Andema is keen to redevelop.

Andema‘s directors are listed as Sydney residents John Ramage and Brian Nicholls and New Zealand resident Bret Jackson.

In April they appealed a court decision that upheld Noosa Council’s refusal to grant an extension to a development approval it received for the corner site in 2012.

The council had also refused Andema’s bid in 2019 for a ground floor eatery and rooftop dining.

Mr Cotterell said the site should be developed into something that was not a threat to the area’s “low-key village style”.

Ms Coyle said the council wanted the Peregian Beach site developed in a way that met the community’s expectations and complied with the planning scheme.

“Planning staff welcome the opportunity to continue discussions with the developer regarding a suitable use of the site that adds to the character of the Peregian Beach village,” Ms Coyle said.