Council’s planning committee considers Sunland’s Magnoli Apartments Palm Beach development

UPDATE: ONE of the southern Gold Coast’s most controversial developments has just been approved despite a furious campaign from locals. Here’s why they object

Sunland’s Magnoli Apartments.

UPDATE: THE controversial development for Palm Beach has been approved by the Gold Coast City Council’s planning committee.

The two 12-storey towers were given the unanimous tick after about half an hour of discussion.

Robina councillor Hermann Vorster was among those supporting the Sunland development, called Magnolia Towers.

“I think the development will enhance the precinct considerably,” he said.

A close-up view of the balconies.

“Most importantly there is more green and open space for the community.

The development is located on the Gold Coast Hwy and near the Palm Beach Primary School.

Palm Beach councillor, Daphne McDonald, who cannot vote in the Planning Committee as she is not a member, said concerns raised by the community included garbage collection.

“There is also issues with traffic, particularly near the school,” she said.

The council received 26 submissions against the project.

The development will go to full council on Tuesday for final approval.

EARLIER: ONE of the southern Gold Coast’s most controversial developments is expected to be approved this morning despite furious opposition from residents.

Developer Sunland’s bid to transform the former Palm Beach caravan park into two 12-storey apartment towers, six terrace houses, shops and a huge park open to the public will go before the Gold Coast City Council’s planning committee today.

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The Magnoli Apartments project has been subject to strong opposition from residents concerned about it exceeding the area’s seven-storey height limit and the affect on traffic.

The two towers will go before councillors for approval today.

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“They are worried about the height, density and a number of issues relating to the impact on traffic,” said area councillor Daphne McDonald about the 40 objections to the project.

Councillor Daphne McDonald. Photo: Jerad Williams

“Certainly these types of development are of great concern because across the city we are seeing greater height, density and site coverage.

“Perhaps we need stronger representation at the state level.”

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An early artist impression of the project.

However, Sunland Group managing director Sahba Abedian said the buildings cover less than 25 per cent of the site and would revitalise Palm Beach by providing new facilities for residents.

“Our vision for Magnoli Apartments is to integrate two boutique apartment buildings within the site, featuring generous landscaped setbacks from the Gold Coast Highway and Brooke Avenue, a large community park, and 380sq m of retail and commercial space,” he said.

Sahba Abedian. Pic Annette Dew

“The retail area is intended as a parkfront restaurant or cafe amenity for Palm Beach residents, providing an opportunity for families to enjoy the open space while enjoying a meal or coffee.

“The mid-rise apartment buildings will feature expansive vertical planting along the corridors and balconies, creating the effect of a cascading urban garden and adding landscape to the facade.”

MAGNOLI APARTMENTS

* The development application was originally lodged in December 2016 and the design of the towers has been revised.

* The six two-level townhouses will front Brooke Ave, which will be the major entry to the development.

* They will join 88 terrace houses already approved and under construction on the site which were the subject of a previous application.

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Where the project is located.