Former Councillor Nigel Waistell is preparing to appeal two development applications currently with Scenic Rim Regional Council’s planning team.
The applications, MCU24/025 for 30 Kidd Street and MCU24/174 for 24-34 Macdonnell Road, are both for large retirement facilities which would see over 100 homes built on each site.
If approved, they will be the largest developments on the mountain in decades.
Mr Waistell has begun raising funds for a court appeal if either of the applications are approved.
“They are contrary to the planning scheme and need to be vigorously defended,” he said.
“If it is approved we need to be prepared to move quickly.”
Applicants for the Kidd Street development, Innovative Planning Solutions, provided Council with a comprehensive response to submissions, including clarification the development application is not for a nursing home or aged care facility.
“The development application seeks a development permit for a retirement facility. The application does not seek approval for a nursing home or aged care facility,” the document states.
Both applications have had multiple extensions to the decision period.
The decision period for Kidd Street has been extended to December 31, 2025, while the MacDonnell Road decision period expired on October 31, 2025.
Council’s Director Planning, Development and Environment Leo Jensen said an extended timeframe for the MacDonnell Road application was not agreed upon by the required date.
“We are now in the timeframe where no further extensions can be granted and the matter would go to ‘deemed refusal’ should the applicant wish to pursue this option,” Mr Jensen said.
“This aspect is applicant driven. The applicant would need to lodge an appeal to the Planning and Environment Court if opting for a deemed refusal.”
“This decision remains a priority for Council and the team are aiming to progress the matter to a Council Meeting in early 2026.”
