Bridgeman Enterprises applies to Planning and Environment Court seeking overturn

Bridgeman Enterprises has applied to the Queensland Planning and Environment Court seeking to overturn the Sunshine Coast Council’s decision not to approve its proposed long day care centre at Golden Beach. 

The company had previously sought council approval to build a two storey LDC service with up to 108 licenced places on a site found at 36-38 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach. 

Currently the site is occupied by a cafe and pathology clinic, and is approved for mixed use development of up to four commercial tenancies, along with 15 residential units. 

The council refused the application in late October, citing a number of objections, including that the proposal was not small scale, did not reflect the existing setting, was not of a high design standard, and did not sufficiently demonstrate that there would be no loss of amenity for surrounding residential users, particularly through noise. 

In refuting the council’s position Bridgeman Enterprises notes, in its appeal, that there are three 11 storey buildings and two 10 storey buildings nearby, with a commercial strip built to the boundary, and that its proposed development is small scale in nature, and consistent with the coastal urban character of both Golden Beach and Pelican Waters. 

Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Bridgeman Enterprises development manager Chris Ferraro said that the company had reconsidered the original mixed-used approval for commercial and feasibility reasons, noting the changing demographics of Golden Beach and Pelican Waters.

“Young people and young families are moving to the area because it offers an affordable beach lifestyle and childcare is an integral use for the area,” he said, noting that approved provider Green Leaves has a waiting list at its Pelican Waters site, and was ready to occupy the proposed development, should it go ahead. 

The Council did not offer further comment to Sunshine Coast News as the matter is before the courts. 

Access the original coverage here.