Palmview Property Pty Ltd lodges appeal against council’s development rejection

A company is appealing a decision by the Sunshine Coast Council in court after its proposal for a service station, food and drink outlet, retailer and warehouse was partly rejected.

Artist's impression of the mixed use development at 21 Pignata Rd, Palmview. Photo: V Architecture

A company has appealed a decision by Sunshine Coast Council to partly reject a proposal for a service station with a warehouse and hardware retailer along the Bruce Highway.

Palmview Property Pty Ltd lodged an application for a service station, two food and drink outlets, a warehouse, show room and hardware retailer at 21 Pignata Rd, Palmview in September 2022.

A timber treatment plant and sawmill are on the 14,583sq m site, which is close to the Harmony residential estate.

The company filed an appeal on April 29 after the council partly rejected its application about a month prior on the grounds the proposal conflicted with the planning scheme.

The service station and two food and drink outlets were approved with conditions of amending plans while the warehouse, showroom and retailer were rejected.

Proposed site plan of the service station at 21 Pignata Rd, Palmview. Photo: V Architecture

Reasons stated for the refusal included the site being within a rural zone and not being consistent with the “pattern of settlement” in regard to urban development, nor was a need for a warehouse, retailer or showroom demonstrated.

Documents stated the proposed structure would not contribute nor integrate with the area’s “rural character” and its large buildings would be seen along the scenic route of the Bruce Hwy.

Palmview Property Pty Ltd lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court to gain full approval for its proposal.

The business also asked for the conditions of approval to be deleted or amended as it would not be required if the full development was approved.

Artist's impression of the mixed use development at 21 Pignata Rd, Palmview. Photo: V Architecture

The notice of appeal document stated the proposal could be conditioned to comply with zone codes including the design, which does not “detract” from the visual landscape of the route and ensures separation from nearby urban areas.

The company argued in the notice the surrounding area would benefit from the change as the treatment plant and sawmill is not “efficient land use” and has “unconditioned and unconstrained operation.”

The documents stated the project would provide convenient services to Bruce Highway commuters travelling southbound and to residents of the Harmony estate.