TWO councillors have criticised a material change of use application on a property where the structure had been built without prior Council approval.
The development application, for 74-88 Hazel Road, Tamborine, is for a material change of use for Nature-based tourism, involving one ‘Tourist Accommodation Site’ in the form of a dome structure.
Introducing the matter at the July Council meeting, Cr Kerri Cryer said although there is apparently low or negligible impact to the environment and neighbouring properties, she would like to see more respect for the application and approval process.
“This has been put in place for the protection and benefit of our community, its aesthetics and our neighbours and should not initially be ignored with a request for approval sought after the structure has already been built, as in this case,” she said.
Cr Amanda Hay concurred with Cr Cryer’s comments saying it makes a mockery of the planning scheme.
“It is difficult to take compliance action when there’s not an approval in place,” she stated.
“At some point we have to say where does it end?”
When asked about redress in circumstances where approval has not been sought, a Council officer explained that Council can’t compel the community to not do the wrong thing.
“All we can do is follow the legislative process in terms of trying to remedy the issue,” he said.
The application was approved, with only Cr Hay voting against the motion.
According to realestate.com.au, the property sold in June 2021 for $1.1 million and is currently on the market for $2.6 million.
