Youth hostel gets nod

Appeal win on backpacker site despite fire concerns

A backpacker hostel in Surfers Paradise, opposed by most councillors due to carparking and fire concerns, will go ahead.

Gold Coast City Council has confirmed the Planning and Environment Court had approved the development application for the short-term 270-bed accommodation facility on the lower floors of the Surfers Plaza Resort.

A council spokesman said the decision was made “with the consent of the parties”. In a report, officers had recommended approval.

The council vote in July last year was 9-4 that the project be refused, with some councillors concerned about fire safety of the site. The applicant, Alfonso Abril, later launched an appeal.

Councillors had been split about whether the City was responsible for fire safety regarding the proposal, or if it was an issue to be dealt with later by other building authorities.

But veteran councillor Peter Young, in a passionate argument, maintained “the safety of human beings is our ultimate responsibility”.

Planning chairman Mark Hammel did not support Mr Young, aware of the precedent of two other similar sites in Surfers Paradise gaining approval, but lacking carparks.

Mayor Tom Tate did not vote because he was a director of Crestden, which owns “lot 2” where part of the hostel would be built at the resort next to the old Surfers Paradise Bowls Club greens on Remembrance Drive.

Area councillor Darren Taylor also left the chamber, because his family company had conducted fire services for the body corporate.

In the appeal, Mr Abril argued the refusal was “erroneous, unreasonable and unlawful”.

Legal documents show council’s reasons for refusal were that the density would exceed the City Plan, no carparking was being provided and there could be “significant uncertainty for human safety” if a fire occurred.

But lawyers for Mr Abril said the City Plan did not provide density regarding backpackers, and the 270 “single capsules” would be in a large communal room.

Mr Abril confirmed he had won the appeal, but declined to comment on legal proceedings.

“We have started bringing all the furniture and equipment. We expect to open by May,” he said.