Taking ‘leprechaun lot’ to a new level

A development application has been lodged with Cairns Regional Council to subdivide this existing lot into two tiny lots

A CAIRNS property owner is taking small-lot philosophy to the next level with an attempt to squeeze a whole new home into the tight gap between two houses.

Cameron Howlett has applied for Cairns Regional Council to subdivide an existing 800sq m property at 20 Rigg Street at Woree to allow a new dwelling to be built.

The proposal would result in two lots being created – one 428sq m block and another undeveloped parcel of 378sq m for future construction. The application acknowledges the subdivision does not meet the standards set by the council’s zoning rules.

“Each of the proposed lots are of regular shape and have sufficient area and dimensions to accommodate a dwelling and associated infrastructure,” it states.

“It is acknowledged that the area of both proposed lots are below the preferred minimum lot area for the low density residential zone.

“The ultimate development of establishing a second dwelling onsite could be achieved by the means obtaining a development permit for a dual occupancy.

Upon completion of the second dwelling, the site could be subdivided via a Building Format Plan (BFP) without the further requirement of a development permit from council.

“One would agree that in instances where proposals demonstrate substantial compliance with CairnsPlan 2016, the preferred development outcome would be to reconfigure the site in creating standard format lots over building format lots.

“Overall, the proposed reconfiguration is considered minor in nature and is in keeping with the character and amenity of the surrounding area.”

The council has not made a decision but a proliferation of “leprechaun lots” has caused a stir in city hall in recent years – especially with division 9 councillor Brett Olds who has taken a stand against the development ethos.

Back in 2017, he warned “every man and his dog” would start carving off tiny lots from their properties unless the council made a stand.

“I don’t think suburbs that have been around for 30 or 40 years are the places to start putting in these little leprechaun

Olds said.

However, the council also launched a financial incentive last year to encourage mum and dad investors to undertake small-scale developments like yard subdivision in an effort to stimulate the construction industry in the Far North in the wake of detrimental effects of COVID-19.

The infrastructure fee waiver requires at least fourfifths of work to be completed by July this year.

But it has not been a freefor-all with several applications knocked back in recent months. villages,” Mr