Tower-ful approval
Council gives green light to Palm Cove development
A 22.4m Palm Cove tower has the green light from council after a decade-long development was given the tick unanimously despite concerns over the building’s height.
The proposed development of a 10-unit, six-storey apartment block at 17 Veivers Rd was initially approved in 2011, but had hit roadblocks over the years over design requirements. The development application was reinvigorated in 2022, but met public protests.
The report put before councillors on Wednesday said the building’s height would not strictly comply with relevant council policy but, despite this, concluded the structure would still be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.
“Acceptable Outcome 1.1 prescribes that buildings and structures are not more than 15m and four storeys in height. The corresponding performance outcome … states the height of all buildings and structures is in keeping with the tourist and residential character and amenity of the area,” the report read.
“While the proposal has an overall height of 25.8m, this accounts for all elements of construction including the basement. The maximum height above ground level is 22.4m. The sixth storey comprises a roofed structure for recreational area … This roofed area contributes 3.74 per cent of the total site coverage, which shows that … the bulk of the building essentially achieves five storeys and 18.7m in height.
“In reviewing the supporting documentation … it is considered the height … is in keeping with the tourist and residential character and amenity of the area.”
During discussion, Division 9 councillor Brett Olds acknowledged the proposed development had been controversial but said it would ultimately be a good outcome for Palm Cove.
“This will force other businesses and buildings up there to lift their game. Some of the buildings in Palm Cove are looking a bit tired and they need some work. For potential residents looking for a new place to live, they’re going to be looking first at a nice, new place over an old, tired one,” Cr Olds said.
“We’ve seen a similar effect in Cairns City. When the Crystalbrook
hotels came in, other hotels started lifting their game. Competition is not a bad thing.”
The Veivers Rd development received 13 “not properly made” submissions during the application process, according to the council report, with concerns ranging from traffic issues to noise and environmental damage.
But Cr Olds said he was confident most Palm Cove residents were happy with the plans after he completed local consultation.
“These are local developers and they’ve got a good track record,” he said.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people in Palm Cove, and a lot of them are happy with it.”
This will force other businesses and buildings up there to lift their game. Brett Olds Councillor