The case of a property in St John Street is more than a neighbourly dispute.
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It is an example that proves two very serious conversations need to be had in the Launceston community and further abroad.
The first, relates to the implementation of a report commissioned by the council.
Recommendations in the heritage study are still to be acted upon.
This report is an example of the need for a conversation around councils receiving reports and then the actions that follow.
A further example of the above, but not planning related, was George Town’s decision to not seek public feedback regarding a report into amalgamating with West Tamar.
It was a report that should have been tested, but the council voted to not proceed.
The second is the on-going conversation around heritage and Launceston.
This is a current local government election issue.
Many candidates and voters have referenced the need to balance development with the built heritage of our city.
This conversation is often sparked with any development application, particularly large projects like hotels, and most recently the building heights discussion.
Launceston’s built heritage is often referred to as an attraction, a point of difference and a quality that could be leveraged to help achieve the city’s goal of becoming one of the world’s greatest regional cities.
It can be argued that the new developments shouldn’t “blend in”, but rather complement the current architecture. Afterall, buildings created today could, with the right design, be on the heritage list next century. That’s an exciting concept.
However, there are also properties that were built 90 years ago that would not be far from gaining heritage status. This heritage report clearly identifies these opportunities.
This is a difficult issue and a conversation that must be had. It goes back to our city’s motto, “progress with prudence”. It’s where the emphasis is placed, on either progress or prudence, that will fuel conversation now and into the future.