Villas for sale inside controversial Shangri-La Estate on edge of Toowoomba escarpment

Homes are now for sale off the plan inside one of Toowoomba’s most controversial developments, more than a year after it was approved by the council.

International hotel chain Shangri-la International Holdings is planning a 32-unit housing estate in Prince Henry Heights.

The first lots in a controversial Toowoomba housing estate have hit the market.

Colliers International is selling properties in the Shangri-La Estate, which is on the edge of the Toowoomba escarpment in Prince Henry Heights.

The development involves 32 villas in two varieties, based across 4ha of bushland.

“The position, size and gradient of this premium tract of land has made for an exceptional eco-sensitive architecturally designed site plan,” the online listing said.

“From a family of four to a young professional couple, there is progressive flexibility in the design offerings to cater for your desired living options without impacting on the separate adjoining properties.

The estate was the subject of community backlash when it was proposed in late 2017.

Residents argued the proposal posed an unacceptable bushfire risk and would add more traffic to local roads.

Toowoomba Regional Council rejected the original 40-home application at a special meeting three years ago, before the developer appealed the decision in court.

After several months of litigation, the council settled with the developer early last year to scale down the estate to 32 lots and impose stricter bushfire management conditions.

“While we realise not everyone in the community will be completely satisfied with the final result, we have worked hard to ensure we get the best possible outcome for our residents and community,” former councillor Chris Tait said at the time.

The expressions of interest period ends on June 15.