Coolangatta residents take on developer and council against Hotel Komune expansion

A 27-STOREY proposed Coolangatta hotel tower will be delayed for up to 12 months in a move which is out of the developer’s hands.

Artists impressions of the 27-storey Hotel Komune development proposed for Coolangatta.

A COOLANGATTA body corporate is taking on Gold Coast City Council and a developer to stop a 27-storey tower being built on Marine Pde.

The body corporate of nearby apartment block Lindor Apartments has lodged legal action against the approval of the Hotel Komune expansion. It says it is out of character for the area, too “bulky and visually intrusive” and would not attract tourists to the region.

Hotel Komune is currently a nine-level block but plans are for the building to be demolished and replaced with a 27-storey luxury resort.

“The proposed development ... does not facilitate the enhancement of the tourism industry, including the protection of existing attractions,” Lindor Apartments alleges in court documents.

The proposed tower also did not take into account the “visual prominence” of the area, it claims.

It claims the development is “bulky and visually intrusive”.

Artists impressions of the 27-storey Hotel Komune development proposed for Coolangatta.

“(The proposed development) does not contribute to an interesting streetscape, visual amenity and the perception of spaciousness,” the documents say.

When the development went before council in May more than 80 objections had been received by council against the high rise.

Council approved the development in May to help establish the area as a major centre in south east Queensland. The tower will have 100 rooms and 94 apartments.

The proposal received more than 80 objections.

Hotel Komune Group co-owner Tony Cannon said an appeal would delay the project for up to a year.

Artists impressions of the 27-storey Hotel Komune development proposed for Coolangatta.

“We are hoping the appellants will take part in a mediation process we have offered,” Mr Cannon said.

Work at the site will not start until the court proceedings have been finalised.

Mr Cannon said the body corporate had objected on “technicalities” in the town plan.

“We believe the appellants have avoided dealing with merit issues that still achieve planning scheme compliance and which have the support of council,” he said.

“It also worth noting the appellants have not taken account the positive benefits for the broader community that the project delivers.”

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman said council had only just received the appeal documents and were reviewing the issues raised.