There's a seemingly innocuous agenda item councillors will discuss during their ordinary meeting today, but the outcome could change the face of Port Douglas.

Approval is being sought to develop a block of land at 48 Island Point Road, just below the Flagstaff Hill lookout, one of most iconic locations in the region. The application also encompasses 42 Murphy Street.

Developers are planning to build a single-storey house with views to die for. In fact, the views are so good it's a must-see location for thousands of tourists who flock to the lookout each year.

A report to Council by Planning Officer Michelle Henderson, and Manager of Development Assessment Kelly Reaston contains plans for the proposed 292m2 dwelling and states that consideration has been made to "minimise the visibility of the development" including retaining views from the popular lookout.

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"The Douglas Shire Planning Scheme allows for two-storey development on Flagstaff Hill," the report states. "Despite this, the owners specified a single storey design in order that mid distance views from the Island Point Road lookout to Four Mile Beach and adjoining coastal areas and long distance views to the Macalister Ranges be retained with as minimal impact as possible, with the loss of views limited to some of the lower slopes of Flagstaff Hill." 

Read the full report here

Council officers said the application for development was publicly notified in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 between 5 April and 2 May 2012, with signage placed at four separate locations, while a public notice was placed in the Cairns Post on 4 April 2012.

Signs were located on the lower slope of the block, on Murphy Street near the end of the sealed road, and near the driveway entrance on Island Point Road.

The notification drew just one submission objecting to the application.

Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu supports the development.

"It's a good outcome for that particular site," she said. "It does not impede the view of Four Mile Beach.

"If I had any concerns I'd oppose this, but I don't."

The sweeping views of Four Mile Beach, the township below, and to the range in the distance led the Herald Sun to name it in "Australia's top 10 amazing lookouts."

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