Four privately-owned homes could be demolished in order to make way for a new car park to support the Penny Royal tourist complex.
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The application would see six buildings demolished, located in Brisbane, Paterson and Margaret streets, with the existing United service station to remain untouched.
The site, owned by proponents JAC Group, would see the installment of a 2.1 meter colorbond fence between the consolidated lot and all shared boundaries, located at 22 Margaret Street and 264 Brisbane Street.
Buildings to be demolished:
- 16 Margaret Street – single dwelling and outbuilding
- 18 Margaret Street – single dwelling and outbuilding (used as accommodation)
- 270 Brisbane Street – hostel
- 272 Brisbane Street – single dwelling
The motion to approve the development application for an 89-spot ground level car park was carried at Monday’s Launceston City Council meeting, with all but one councillor opposing the move.
The purpose of the car park is to provide spots for patrons of the Penny Royal tourist facility, as well as the TRC site and other businesses near the Cataract Gorge.
One resident said she was concerned the proposed car parking space would create unnecessary noise and open the door to hooning.
However, JAC Group managing director Dean Cocker told councillors that a boom gate with paid car parking would prevent hooning.
“This parking in the area is important, not only for the Penny Royal, or accommodation and restaurants, but also for the students by taking pressure off other areas,” he said.
He offered to work with council in photographing the buildings and publicly displaying the images with historical information.
Mr Cocker said the application was not part of the group’s plans for a hotel and function centre.
Alderman Hugh McKenzie said residents had written to them about the demolition of homes and the loss of history.
He said the site was not heritage listed, and noted the development was critical to meeting the increased demand for goods and services during the busy summer period.
Alderman Robin McKendrick pointed out that the demolishment of homes would be subject to another application, after the developer chooses to proceed with the car park.
Alderman Janie Finlay motioned to refuse the application, arguing the car park proposed would diminish the residential density of the area.
Another proposal to install a memorial at Kings Park, which would commemorate the Polish community’s contribution to the Tasmanian Hydro Scheme was deferred, as well as a policy which would centralise all monuments at the park.
The policy would permit commemorations that have had a positive impact in Launceston’s history or of a military or peacetime nature.
