Leading architect Gary Hunt said while he applauds the notion of a hotel of the standard of Fairmont on the old Havana site, he feels that what is being proposed is a significant over-development.

Earlier this month, Newsport reported that work had begun on the site of the $300 million Accor Fairmont luxury resort.

Property developer, Chiodo Corporation said demolition of the site’s existing structure is now underway on Port Douglas Road between the Oaks Hotels and Resorts and the Mirage Country Club.

The proposed development includes 253 luxury rooms, several restaurants and bars, a day spa, and conference and wedding facilities.

But the Principal of Hunt Design said it does not comply with a whole range of Town Planning matters.

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“Firstly it is a six-storey building, twice the size of the neighbouring Oaks Resort and well outside the allowable height in the Douglas Shire Town Plan.

“It will block views to the mountain backdrop and present a massive façade to the street that will totally dominate the whole arrival experience coming into the village.

“The continuous length of the building is 160 metres, five times what is allowed for in the Town Plan,” said Hunt.

Hunt said the total area of the building is greater than 20% more than is allowed.

“There is a basement planned which is 3.0m below storm tide level and will require in the order of 4,500 trucks to cart away the 40,000 cubic metres of excavated material according to the consultant’s report.

“Simply speaking it is far too big for this site and will have a very negative impact on the character of Port Douglas,” he said.

Hunt said he hoped that the project proceeds consistent with a new concept that respects the Town Plan and resonates with the low key character of our wonderful village.

Classifieds: Douglas Shire Public Notices and Council Notices

Responding to the claims, Melbourne-based Chiodo Corporation’s Founder and Director, Paul Chiodo, said there are a number of inaccuracies.

“The number of rooms is consistent with the development approval previously awarded to the site and the Fairmont is actually a five-storey development and is consistent in height with what's previously been approved for Port Douglas, as seen at Coconut Grove,” said Chiodo.

“Claims that the building is greater than 20% more than is allowed is untrue; the current design of the Fairmont Port Douglas meets the 50% site coverage requirements as per the planning scheme, which has been sufficiently improved from the previous development approval, both in site coverage and environmental standards.

“Built on a site set to be 3.0m metres lower than the road, the Fairmont Port Douglas has been designed to offer uninterrupted views, seamlessly integrating with the beauty of its natural surrounds, including the stunning mountain backdrop,” he said.

Chiodo said the facade has been carefully designed to suit a biomimicry shape and sculptured with landscaping to blend into the surrounding nature.

“The facade design avoids the concrete jungle approach and is a perfect planning response for a luxury development of this nature.

“I am also pleased to share that the building footprint is now less than what was previously approved,” he said.