By JONATHON HOWARD
MORE than 1500 residents from Coolum and Yaroomba have sent a clear message to Sunshine Coast Council and Japanese developer Sekisui House, that they reject the idea of a major development along the fragile coastline.
The residents have staged a number of protests against the early proposed Sekisui House development, which could include a 12-storey hotel and major retail space.
Signs have also been posted around the streets of Yaroomba calling residents to action.
Online petitions have attracted hundreds of signatures and allegations have arisen that a private firm was now investigating ways around the Sunshine Coast Council’s town plan, which was finalised recently and includes height restrictions.
Noosa Today put several questions to Sekisui House senior development manager Evan Aldridge, to determine how close Sekisui House was to submitting a development application.
“Sekisui House is still in the early planning stages, and does not expect to be ready to lodge a Development Application with the council until the end of 2015,” he said.
Mr Aldridge was also asked whether Sekisui House was aware of height restrictions within the Sunshine Coast Council’s town plan for Yaroomba? And how does Sekisui House proposed to get around these restrictions?
“It is important to note that all future plans for the site are still in the investigation stage,” he said.
“Any development on the site will be in line with Sekisui House’s founding principles of community, sustainability, and harmony with the natural environment.
“Once we have developed a firmer idea of what we would like to do on the site, we will need to go through the council’s planning and development assessment process, which will include an opportunity for the public to comment on the development.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: Would you welcome changes to the Sekisui House plan, including buildings that are in line with Sunshine Coast Council’s town plan? Send your comments and letters to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
