The development application for three new classrooms and a small car park on the western side of Oxford Street was given the green light by the City of Launceston in late January.

That decision is being appealed by the Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Inc on a number of grounds.

One is the belief that the proposed development is not located on land reserved for school development, but was instead reserved by the Crown in 1921 when it was acquired from the state government as land “for a playground for the children of Launceston”.

In the notice of appeal the association said the planning assessment was incorrect by stating the building was consistent with the zoning purposes as it would not be a direct extension of the school.

“There is no education facility on the subject land … and [it is] not for the exclusive use of the East Launceston Primary School students in any event,” the notice stated.

The building is also of insufficient size, an over-intensification of the site and does not protect the amenity of the area, the association argued as part of its appeal.

IN OTHER NEWS:

On Friday, February 23, representatives from the association, the council, the Department of Education and Artas Architects attended a directions hearing.

During the hearing the ratepayers group was told to revise the grounds of appeal as the matters may not be within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

A mediation session was scheduled between the parties on Friday, March 16.

During the council meeting on January 22 a number of residents in the area raised concerns about the loss of amenity and green space as well as traffic congestion if the development moved forward.

It was approved eight votes to four.

At the time school principal Emmy Brient told the council the building would be a state-of-the-art facility, and help to manage the school’s issues with overcrowding.

Compromises were already made during the planning with the original aim to have six classrooms, Mrs Brient said.