DEVELOPERS behind the 82-unit strata low-cost housing project in Carmody St have appealed the Southern Downs Regional Council's operational works fees that were calculated at $151,925.

The report, tabled by director of engineering services Peter See, will be discussed by Southern Downs Regional Councillors during today's general meeting.

In the report, Mr See said council staff calculated the fees based on engineering design approval fees per lot for equivalent dwellings.

However, the developer said this was the wrong category.

"Ruark's contention is that, as the development is a strata villa development, the equivalent dwelling provision should not apply," Mr See said.

"In essence, there is no need for council to approve the internal design or provide supervision for internal site works directly associated with equivalent dwellings."

Mr See said under this new category the operational works fee would total $22, 878 - a difference of $129,047.

"The key distinction is whether or not a strata development should be assessed as equivalent dwellings or as multiple units," he said.

"... It is thought that the multiple unit application is better suited, as council will be doing inspections only of infrastructure which provides for the full site."

The director has recommended that the councillors approve the reduced fee.

What does strata mean?

• Strata titles involve the vertical subdivision of land and building on the land into lots and common property.
• It was introduced to deal with apartment and unit blocks.
• The buildings themselves make the lots and the remaining, such as floor and wall coverings, becomes common property.