The owners of a wedding setting dubbed the ‘Sunshine Coast’s best secret’ have ambitions to expand their offerings.
A development application has been lodged to establish a function facility and short-term accommodation at Sweet Meadows, at 469 Dulong Road, Dulong.
The location already offers intimate elopements and weddings on a private property of rolling green hills. The farm boasts panoramic views, a cottage retreat, dams, a marquee fig tree and rustic staircase.
But now there are bigger ambitions for the business, which is owned by the Ryan family, with Peter and Alison Ryan as the landowners.
A planning report, compiled by Murray and Associates, included details of the proposal.
It stated that Sweet Meadows sought greater capacity to cater to a growing demand from larger groups. It said the location was perfect to do just that.
“The subject site is surrounded by rural properties, nursery business operations and national park, which is an ideal setting for a proposed function facility on a large rural property with distant panoramic views,” it said.
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“Given the stunning nature and ambience of the property, the proposal is certainly appropriate on this site, subject to supporting noise and traffic management measures.”
The subject allotment has an area of 65.55ha.
The planning report included a proposal for a small chapel and a larger function building with short-term accommodation, with a gross floor area of 507sqm, by Invilla Architecture.
“The proposed buildings will be under 8.5m high and well separated from any neighbouring living areas, noting the proposal represents a quiet/tranquil rural retreat,” the development application read.
“The scale, design and external finish of the proposed built form will complement the rural landscape to allow them to blend in with the natural environment.”
The main function building would feature two floors.
The ground floor would include a dining area, dance floor, stage, bar and commercial kitchen, and toilet amenities. The upper floor could include four bedrooms inclusive of individual ensuites.
The applicant would reside in the existing dwelling on-site and manage the function venue and accommodation.
There would also be parking space for 38 vehicles.
It’s expected the venue could cater for 150 guests and 10 staff members, with up to four events held per week.
“Overall, the siting, design, scale, intensity, and nature of the proposed use is considered consistent with the purpose and overall outcomes of the Rural Zone Code and will effectively,” the report stated.
But Sunshine Coast Council wanted more detail.
Council completed an initial assessment of the plan and advised Sweet Meadows and Murray and Associates that further information was required in order to properly assess the proposal.
Council stated that there were multiple key issues arising from the application, relating to site access, on-site parking, earthworks and retaining walls, stormwater management, waste management, acoustic amenity, building height and rural and scenic amenity.
Council stated that “the submitted design drawings do not provide sufficient information” to “demonstrate how performance outcomes have been addressed”.
They also stated that the application “triggers the need for a geotechnical report for all aspects of the proposed development that would occur within landslide hazard and steep land areas mapped on the site.”
Sweet Meadows was contacted for comment.
