Kings Beach unit developer set to take Council to court

A multi-storey unit development planned for a popular beachside suburb has landed in court over a single tree the Sunshine Coast Council claims cannot be removed.

Plans for a seven-storey development at 19 and 21 Verney St, Kings Beach.

A multistorey unit development planned for a beachside suburb has landed in court over a single tree the Sunshine Coast Council claims cannot be removed.

The developer, Kings Beach Sand Pty Ltd, submitted an application in the Planning and Environment Court to appeal the Sunshine Coast Council’s approval conditions placed on a unit development planned for a property at Kings Beach.

The application was filed to the court by the company on Tuesday, April 8.

The development is set to include 23 units spread across seven storeys, along with a pool and outdoor terrace, on a block that currently consists of two single-dwelling homes.

Property data stated Kings Beach Sand Pty Ltd bought the adjacent blocks for $3.1m in 2024.

The current property at 19 Verney St, Kings Beach.

The Sunshine Coast Council approved the application with the condition the developer pay a $15,000 bond payment to ensure the safeguarding of a tree, identified as a Albizia Lebbeck, and that they engage “alternative construction methods”.

The council conditions also stated no earthworks were to be completed near the tree’s roots.

The company argued in the court documents the tree was identified as a weed that displayed health and “structural deficiencies”, adding the conditions imposed were unreasonable.

“The street tree has caused damage to footpaths and curbs adjacent to the land and interfered with existing stormwater controls within the verge and adjacent to the land,” the court documents stated.

The developer also stated in the court documents the tree was not a native species, like other trees in the street.

“The street tree, being an introduced species, makes little or no contribution to the streetscape, particularly given the local area is characterised by native tree species,” the documents stated.