Linnaeus Estate’s proposal for $9m ‘eco tourism’ development near Byron Bay lodged with council

The developer will seek council approval for 27 cabins, a “wellness facility” and other works on the 111 hectare property, which boasts an expansive beach frontage.

Treehouse cabins in the proposed eco-tourism development at Linnaeus Estate in Broken Head.

A proposal for 27 cabins and other works on a beachfront property near Byron Bay has been placed on public exhibition.

The development application has sought approval 27 new “eco tourist facility cabins”, seven ancillary buildings including a “wellness facility, refuges, depot”, the addition of a deck to an existing building and other works at Linnaeus Estate, at 951 Broken Head Road in Broken Head.

The applicant, BHCF Pty Ltd (Broken Head Coastal Foundation) is also seeking to change the permitted use of 14 “private education accommodation units” to become eco tourist units.

The group touted plans for the project more than a year ago but a DA was lodged on April 13.

A proposal will soon before Byron Shire Council for an ecotourism development on the Linnaeus Estate at Broken Head.

Issues raised in community consultation held before BHCF lodged its DA included environmental protection, fire hazards and the dangers of Seven Mile Beach to prospective visitors.

BHCF said in the documents it would not seek to hold wedding or events.

According to documents lodged with the application, the 111.2 hectare site “contains areas of land mapped as being of biodiversity value” but these areas “will not be impacted by the proposal”.

The proposed "refuge and arrival pavillion" planned for an eco-tourism development at Linnaeus Estate in Broken Head.

BHCF was initially proposing to seek approval for 33 structures, including tree houses and cabins, but reduced this to 27 in the formal DA.

There are 19 existing “private education buildings” and one manager’s residence on the property as well as a pool, tennis court, community centre and two other communal buildings.

While there is approval in place for 12 more two-storey, three bedroom houses on the property, the proponent said these have not been constructed and no longer planned to be built.

An eco-tourism development has been proposed for Linnaeus Estate in Broken Head.

In a separate matter, the council voted in May 2020 to supported a move for the proponents to prepare a new planning proposal, through which they will seek to create 33 community title lots on the property.

According to one report included with the DA, a “specialist hotel management consultant” estimated the proposal would create the equivalent of 75 fill time employment positions.

The proposal is on public exhibition with Byron Shire Council until May 19.