Gold Coast couple shocked when their Dreamworld CEO neighbor built a house within 16 inches of their home
Our dream home nightmare: Work on a couple’s luxury property is halted because the CEO’s neighbor’s second floor is just 16 inches from their wall – making it impossible for artisans to finish the job
- Two homes on the Gold Coast are built 40 cm apart
- One of the houses cannot be completed because of the hole
- The couple Kathy Morin and Devon Matsalla filed a complaint
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An investigation has been launched into how two luxury homes were built just 16 inches apart, with a couple fearing their dream home will now never be completed.
Canadian expats Kathy Morin and Devon Matsalla are building a waterfront home in Coomera Waters on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
But construction has stalled for the past month over a row over the narrow gap between their home and the upstairs of the adjoining property owned by Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong.
Builders say they are unable to safely install scaffolding between the two properties, casting doubt on the completion date of the Canadian couple’s home.
The couple said they were “shocked, very confused” and “heartbroken” after discovering their home plans were in tatters.
The Gold Coast City Council has launched an investigation into how two waterfront homes were built just 40 centimeters apart
“It’s a dream we’ve been planning for years, we’re so close. But then this issue rears its ugly head in our path,” said Mr. Matsalla A current situation.
Ms Morin added: ‘If it was (just a matter of) a few inches we wouldn’t be having this conversation – but it’s stopping us from building our house.
“That’s big… it’s not an aesthetic.”
The couple have lodged a complaint with the Gold Coast City Council, which has now launched an investigation.
Council ordinances allow homeowners to build up to the edge of the southern perimeter of their boundary.
But house designs should leave an eight-foot gap at the northern edge of lots unless special permission is granted by the council.
The overhanging design of Mr Yong’s house means its second floor is only 40 cm from its northern perimeter, and a near distance from the Canadian couple’s home under construction.
A day after the two neighbors met to try to resolve the issue, the theme park CEO’s architects submitted a “minor amendment application” to the council.
Mr Yong says the development plans for his property have been approved by the local council.
“It’s what’s approved. We couldn’t have built it or moved in if it wasn’t certified,” he said.
Ms Morin said both she and the couple’s contractor have “no idea” how Mr Yong’s plans were approved.
Canadian couple Kathy Morin and Devon Matsalla (both pictured) have been left ‘shocked’ and ‘heartbroken’ after their dream home has been put on hold due to the tight gap
Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong (pictured) says the city council has given him pre-approval for his development plans
Mr. Yong says he is open to temporarily removing the wooden slats on the top floor of his house so that scaffolding can be built.
He said the builders of both properties had already discussed the matter.
However, the Canadian couple’s contractor denied that, saying Mr Matsalla and Ms Morin would incur additional costs, including installing a firewall, due to their proximity to their neighbours.
Gold City Council confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that they were looking into the matter and have given Mr Yong until the end of February to respond.
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