502 Church Rd, Taigum: Developers apply to create 50 new blocks

It once sold for just $25,000 but now this hobby farm — one of north Brisbane’s last untouched blocks of land — could become the site of 50 new houses.

One of the last parcels of untouched land in Brisbane’s northern suburbs could become the site of 50 new lots.

The site, at 502 Church Rd, Taigum, has been slatted for development, with JFP Urban Consultants last week submitting a development application to Brisbane City Council.

For decades, the location has provided a rare sight in the city — nestled in a pocket of hobby farms, with horses and sheep still grazing from its paddocks but now, the property which according to realestate.com.au sold for just $25,000 in 1981, is valued upwards of $1 million.

And its value would be set to boom if the most recent plans get the green light.

The large Taigum property is subject to a development application with Brisbane City Council to convert it into house blocks. Picture: Watt Realty/realestate.com.au

The 6.72ha site would contain 50 new homes (comprising of 33 blocks of a minimum 350sqm, 14 blocks of 450sqm minimum, and 3 blocks of 900sqm minimum).

The residential blocks would carry on from blocks already established along Church Rd, while rural residential blocks adjacent to the project would remain.

Plans for 502 Church Rd Taigum. Picture: JFP Consultants/Developmenti

According to the application, the proposed development “has been designed to provide a range of attractive residential lots capable of accommodating detached one and two storey residential dwellings”.

The project will also include the filling in of an existing dam, new roads connecting Church Rd and Brushbox St and a 5000 sqm park space, while a large portion of the land will be retained for a drainage reserve area.

502 Church Rd Taigum, the subject of a development application. Picture: JFP Consultants/Developmenti

The application highlights the area’s high ecological significance, with a portion of the site zoned for environmental management.

“Development of residential lots within the Environmental Management Zone is typically not anticipated,” it said.

A Taigum property could become the site of 50 new homes. Picture: Base/Developmenti

“The proposed encroachment sought represents a considered and justifiable development footprint that allows for Council’s strategic intent for a vegetated corridor along Cabbage Tree Creek corridor, along with the provision of a trunk park within the subject site.

502 Church Rd Taigum, the subject of a development application. Picture: JFP Consultants/Developmenti

“Without a development outcome such as that proposed, the highest and best use of the site

would be the current, rural residential use, negating the potential for a vegetated corridor and the trunk park.

“Importantly... the proposed development footprint is not located within an area identified as containing significant strategic ecological values.”

The development site would also be located outside of the Q100 flood line, with all land below that line to be rehabilitated and dedicated to Brisbane City Council.