contributed by Julia Craddock
I promised the editor of this site I would allow my submission on the application of my currently resident neighbour, in a residential area, to convert from short-stay letting 4 times per year to a continuous commercial operation of an unstaffed hotel that advertises to sleep 12 people and routinely is let to 3 families plus children at one time; to be published on this site.
I had hoped it might aid others in the same situation. To see the arguments mounted. To see the research and references. I had hoped I could help. Regrettably I cannot. I have learned today, I cannot help myself. I am certainly in no position to help others. I apologise. I am not able to keep my word and that grieves me deeply.
Today I learned that my neighbour has been granted “existing rights” to convert a property that has been a principal place of residence residential dwelling for 41 years, to a commercial unstaffed hotel sleeping 12 guests - plus guests of guests. The home is currently occupied by 1-2 people.
I was not notified of this application. I have been given no opportunity to access, assess, comment on, verify or address the application. A decision has been made with no reference to surrounding affected neighbours or the community in general or even to the Town Plan. I have no right to appeal the decision.
Just to be clear:
No right to know of the application.
No right to know of the detail or basis of the application.
No right to view or make submission on the application.
And no right to appeal the application.
I have no rights at all to attempt to defend my rights as a permanent resident and adjoining property owner.
No rights to request that my rights be respected or my property and its value be defended.
No rights to request the Town Plan be upheld.
No rights to attempt to preserve residential housing in the midst of a housing crisis.
No rights.
Absolutely no rights at all.
Simple questions: Is this a fair administrative model? Is this appropriate? Is this right?
This decision immediately devalues my property by at least $200,000. Noosa Council has KC advice on the matter. How is this process that is so injurious and detrimental to affected residents, that so completely lacks any aspect of natural justice - reasonable or even lawful? Would this process pass scrutiny by any reviewing body?
I apologise. I deeply apologise. I have done my best. Regrettably I am prevented from keeping my word.
Editor's Note:
Do you have a view on the short term accommodation issue in Noosa? We would love to hear from you and are happy to post your contribution here anonymously. The more local stories we have, your personal experiences, the better. Please always cite sources whenever statistics are quoted. Email to: nnsnoosa1@gmail.com
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