Belated consents for venture Maggie firm branches out
A MAGNETIC Island business has been given retrospective approval to operate after it failed to secure council consent for expansions and a new arm of the operation for more than a decade.
Despite 22 submissions calling for Townsville City Council to oppose the development and significant community backlash, only one councillor voted against allowing Arcadia Beach Guest House and Car Hire to continue operating.
The business, which spans three lots from 26-27 Marine Parade, has varying approvals for each site but was missing consent for a major accommodation expansion, car hire business and mechanic services despite elements operating for more than a decade.
Part-owner Craig Mcgabe said the business had developed with customers’ needs over time.
He has owned and operated the guesthouse alongside business partner Ian Bryson for the past 15 years.
Council documents reveal the property at 27 Marine Parade was built from 1951-53 as a lodging house and served as a nurse’s holiday home and original planning was in place for six units, or bedrooms.
But aerial photographs show the building has been extended numerous times with “relevant building and planning approvals unable to be located for the majority of visible works”.
Council building records indicate a house was approved in 1970 at No.28, but no approval exists for the establishment of an “accommodation building”. At No.26, where the car hire business has operated since 2016, approval only existed for a house built in the 1950s.
The new application, which was approved last Tuesday, sought to retrospectively approve changes to the business, which include formalising the car hire business, provide parking to guests, and granting approval for an extra 10 accommodation units.
The application was found to “generally comply” with the provisions of the Townsville City Plan, and while it did not meet all assessment benchmarks, it was approved.
Cr Ann-maree Greaney refused to vote for the approval and said the unapproved development had come up multiple times with unhappy constituents on Magnetic Island. The council received 22 objections, with the unauthorised car servicing a major problem highlighted. The dust and noise from servicing, which is understood to sometimes include bodywork, has impacted neighbouring businesses.
Mr Mccabe said the “minor changes” made to the business were for the benefit of customers. “We bring employment and we spend money with the local community on the island.”
Approval for the business to operate with 16 short-term units, camping accommodation options, guest carparks, and space for the car rentals was granted. The council did not grant approval for car servicing of any kind to be done at the properties.