Sir Richard Branson in fight with Noosa Shire Council over Makepeace Island expansion

HE'S the high-flying entrepreneur with the world at his feet - so who's gotten in the way of Sir Richard Branson's latest million-dollar idea?

SIR Richard Branson is going to war with council over plans to convert his heart-shaped Noosa island into a boutique resort.

The flamboyant entrepreneur wants to open his exclusive 9.3ha Makepeace Island in the Noosa River to more guests, with rooms from $850 a night.

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But the plans have hit a stumbling block, with a night-time noise curfew and guest number restrictions imposed by Sunshine Coast council.

The resort's conditions of approval include a restriction on amplified music and entertainment between 10pm and 7am, and limiting guests to 20.

Makepeace Island Operations Pty Ltd has lodged an appeal to the Planning and Environment Court, saying those conditions are an "unreasonable imposition".

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But residents on the mainland, whose homes are only 200m from the heart-shaped mangrove island, are worried any leniency would create party central at night.

Already locals complain of "boom boom" music from the island in the early hours of the morning.

Last year Makepeace hosted the Channel 7 talent show The X Factor , with guests Natalie Bassingthwaite and Guy Sebastian, which resulted in complaints to council.

Resident Thelma Turnbull said locals did not want any more noise.

"Quite a lot of people are talking about it," said Mrs Turnbull, who lives in Cambridge Court.

"I went doorknocking in Tait St and they get a lot of noise. It's not that often but if he gets (the restrictions lifted) it will be.

"One of the residents really gave me a blast about the noise coming from him (Branson)."

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Makepeace Island was bought in 2007 and completed in 2009 as a Balinese-style private retreat for family and friends of Sir Richard and Virgin Blue Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey.

It was approved as a private four-bedroom building, and three two-bedroom bungalows later opened to rent as an entire island for $3250 a night plus $550 a night for adults.

The island with a pool, tennis court and outdoor cinema can only be accessed by boat and two staff - a groundsman and caretaker - ensure its smooth running throughout the year.

The resort application was approved under the Sunshine Coast council prior to deamalgamation, but the recent appeal will be handled by the new Noosa Shire Council.

The Courier-Mail made several attempts to contact Makepeace Island's legal and marketing team.

Noosa Mayor Noel Playford and councillor Tony Wellington both would not comment for legal reasons.

Noosa council planning boss Kerri Coyle said the applicant's noise request did not take into account local residents.

"The applicant's acoustic report is based on the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing's criteria, which is really only suitable for entertainment precincts where pubs and clubs would usually establish, and did not adequately address the potential amenity impacts for the neighbouring residential area," she said.

"Makepeace Island is located in the middle of Noosa River, in a quiet precinct."

The approval was granted despite the resort not fitting with the planning scheme (the island is zoned open space conservation) because the upgrade did not involve any new buildings.

A spokeswoman for Makepeace Island refuted claims the island was responsible for neighbourhood noise, saying only one complaint had been lodged during XFactor's visit.

The spokeswoman said no official objections were lodged with the council during the public consultation period.

The spokeswoman said the island was respectful of its neighbours and did not host noisy parties.

However the limitations being imposed would restrict night-time noise to the volume of background elevator music.

The spokeswoman said Makepeace Island was appealing the guest limitation numbers so people staying on the island could invite their friends over for coffee and the like.

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