Presidential Capital Pty Ltd files appeal against Sunshine Coast Council

The developer behind a large-scale accommodation project in a quiet hinterland town has filed legal proceedings after the plans were rejected.

Design plan. Image: Place Design Group

Plans for a major multimillion dollar accommodation development in the Sunshine Coast hinterland have landed in court after the project was rejected by the local government.

The project proposed by Brisbane developer John Anderson, director of Presidential Capital Pty Ltd, was rejected by the Sunshine Coast Council earlier this year, with the company now filing an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court.

The site at 862 and 894 Landsborough-Maleny Road, Bald Knob, was set to include 35 one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, a manager’s residence, and a reception and dining area.

The plans showed the property would also include 48 car spaces for guests.

The property neighbours the function facility Maleny Manor and a restaurant.

Artist's impression of the venue proposed for the property at Bald Knob. Image: Place Design Group.jpg

The court documents stated the council rejected the development due to the impact it would have on the view along the Landsborough-Maleny Rd scenic route and the extensive landworks that would be required on the site.

A petition was also signed by 1158 people opposing the development.

At the Council’s ordinary meeting in January, Councillors Terry Landsberg, Joe Natoli, Winston Johnston OAM, Jenny Broderick, and Christian Dickson voted in favour of the application.

Councillors Tim Burns, Ted Hungerford, Taylor Bunnag, Maria Suarez, David Law, and Mayor Rosanna Natoli voted against it.

Artist's impression of the venue. Image: Place Design Group

In the court documents, the developer argues the short-term accommodation project would not negatively impact the view and would instead help boost local tourism.

“The proposed development will continue to preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the visual, landscape and scenic amenity values of the locality and the scenic route such that the scenic route will continue to provide a high level of scenic and visual amenity to travellers,” the documents stated.

“The proposed development will protect the significant landscape elements and features which contribute to the unique character and identity of the Sunshine Coast.”

Originally published as Presidential Capital Pty Ltd files appeal against Sunshine Coast Council