A fight to preserve what the residents call the “village feel” of a historic Buderim street has escalated to the courts, pitting a neighbour against the council’s approval of a four-lot subdivision.
A Plan for Change on Gloucester Road
The controversy began after a 3,629-square-metre property, which sold for $3.1 million in June of last year, became the subject of a new development application. The plans, which were later approved by the Sunshine Coast Council, involve demolishing the existing home to create four new housing lots.
These proposed lots would range in size from a substantial 800 to 985 square metres. The decision has brought to the surface a simmering debate about development in the much-loved suburb and what its future should look like.
Drawing a Legal Line
In response to the council’s approval, a neighbouring resident has formally appealed the decision in the Planning and Environment Court. The legal challenge is built on the argument that the subdivision goes against the local planning scheme. According to the appeal documents, the resident believes the plan fails to respect the “village setting” unique to that part of Buderim.
The claim asserts that the area’s planning rules are designed to protect and retain the neighbourhood’s established large lots, not encourage further subdivision. The appeal further states that no conditions could be added by the council to make the development compliant with the scheme’s requirements.
Residents Weigh In on the Debate
While the court case focuses on planning rules, the development has sparked a broader conversation among Sunshine Coast locals online, revealing a community with diverse views on the matter. A significant number of residents appear to support the subdivision, questioning the basis of the complaint. Many commentators argue that the proposed lots are far from small and are generous in size compared to new developments in other areas.
Others suggest the “village feel” the neighbour is fighting to protect may have already changed. They point to other subdivisions that have occurred on Gloucester Road and nearby streets, noting that the area is busier than it was in the past. Several people expressed the view that the objector is displaying a “not in my back yard” attitude and that progress is a natural part of any suburb’s life. The sentiment that all homes were once new developments on what was previously empty land was a common theme, alongside the practical need for more housing for families on the Sunshine Coast.
Published Date 29-September-2025