Supreme Court blocks 694-apartment development at Gold Creek golf course
ACT Supreme Court upheld the Planning Authority's refusal of a $330 million serviced-apartment project disguised as a motel.
The Konstantinou Group wanted to build 694 serviced apartments on 7.5 hectares at Gold Creek Country Club in Nicholls over ten years. The developer argued they were a "modern motel", but the Planning Authority said they were actually residential units, which are not allowed there.
A tribunal had overturned the refusal last year, but now Justice David Mossop has sided with the Planning Authority. Justice Mossop found the buildings have no common facilities and parking for long-term residents, not short-term guests.
The court confirmed they look and feel like "a new medium-density suburb", not a hotel. About 3,000 residents objected to the original plan.
- $330 million
- Project value
- 694
- Planned apartments
- 7.5 hectares
- Site size
- about 3,000
- Residents opposed
Why it mattersA $330 million development that would have transformed the golf course land has been stopped. The decision clarifies planning rules across the ACT.
AustraliaNicholls residents won a three-year battle to block the project. The ruling sets a precedent for how similar proposals in Canberra and across Australia will be assessed.
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