Maleny funeral parlour application rejected
P: 5494 6167
F: 5494 6927 M: 0415 793 775
Tyres Second Hand Tyres Repairs Batteries Wheel Alignments Truck Tyres 87 Beerwah Pde, Beerwah E: tamika@beerwahdiscounttyres.com.au
SUBARU SPECIALIST
• A-Grade Mechanical Repairs & Log Book Servicing on all types of vehicles • Disc & Drum Machining Air-conditioning Re-gas & Repairs SPECIALISING
18 Free St, Beerwah
IN SUBARU
PH: 5439 0465
An application for a funeral parlour and function centre on Mountain View Road at Maleny was rejected at last Thursday’s Sunshine Coast Council meeting. In an unusual move, the application was put to the full council rather than being decided by council planning staff. According to the report presented to council, this was “due to the level of public interest”, as the original application received 147 public submissions opposing the proposal. The development included an 8.5m high 150seat chapel and an existing dwelling converted into a 100-seat function facility, as well as a substantial driveway, considerable parking and an upgraded road entrance. Although the application did not comply with council’s planning scheme and the land is zoned for rural purposes, council planning staff recommended it be approved. The staff reported that they could impose enough conditions to override any planning scheme conflicts and resolve any community anguish, noting that “… the proposal would not unduly impact on the amenity of the surrounding sensitive land uses”. However, the elected community representatives thought otherwise and sided with the local community, voting six to four to refuse the application. The motion to refuse was led by Cr Rick
Baberowski, whose division the property falls within. “For me, the matter was triggered by the large number of submissions from nearby residents along Mountain View Road who objected to the application,” Cr Baberowski said. “My role is to represent the views of my constituents and to argue for them as best I can. “Their concerns were about the impacts that would result from any event, funeral or otherwise, in that particular area. “The residents were concerned that it would have a high impact on what was their quiet rural amenity,” Cr Baberowski said. Impacts raised in the submitted objections included a significant increase in traffic along the road and the unknown impacts of other events such as parties, corporate events and weddings, which would be allowed under the application. The development proponents – landowners Michael and Caroline Arnett – said they were extremely disappointed with the outcome of Thursday’s meeting. They felt their application failed to accurately share their vision for a dedicated “life celebration venue” to provide a tranquil, beautiful place for bereaved families and friends to come to reflect on and farewell their loved ones. Inspiration for their project came from their travels to North America and the ingenuity and breathtaking beauty of the Anthony Chapel in
Open Day Giveaway
OPEN DAY SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST 11AM - 1PM
Demonstrations and trials of our martial arts classes. Trainers available to speak about group fitness.
Free BBQ Lunch 6
Everyone who attends receives two weeks free training and a free uniform (save $91) Offer only available on the day and only for new members. Some classes and times have limited space and might have a waiting list. Uniform will be presented at first class.
Located on the corner of Steve Irwin Way & Foley Road, Beerwah www.santkd.com 0437 571 540 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News
