Launceston could learn from Hobart building height debate: Wightman

Property Council of Australia Tasmania executive director Brian Wightman said the City of Hobart council had not looked at the economic analysis and viability reports that accompanied building design principles in enough detail.

He said Launceston could learn from what was happening in Hobart, particularly with the university’s move to Inveresk and the number of building projects starting or planned for the city.

“We need to look at inner city infill and opportunities and, in many ways, to get that inner city infill and density we’re going to need to look at height,” Mr Wightman said.

“For Launceston, I would be looking very closely at Hobart and the way they’ve managed this issue. It’s been going on for 18 months now; it’s created disharmony in the community and I think there’s a great opportunity for Launceston City Council to be proactive.

“Don’t just call out a height limit because you think it’s going to appease people within the community; actually do some serious economic analysis that goes with the design analysis to make sure we’re making the right decision for future generations in Launceston,” he said.

Setting an arbitrary height limit could stifle creativity, Mr Wightman said.

Master Builders Tasmania executive director Matthew Pollock backed Mr Wightman's call for City of Hobart council to defer its vote.

“I don’t think anyone would say the current size and scale of buildings in the Hobart CBD are inappropriate. Shrinking building heights to 45 metres would be a step backwards,” Mr Pollock said.

“Doing so could cost jobs and hurt economic growth. It could also add more pressure to Hobart’s housing sector at a time when affordability is an increasing challenge and rental prices are the fastest growing in the country,” he said.

Master Builders Tasmania research shows limiting building heights could also increase middle- and outer-city density, with people living further from work.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said setting a 45-metre height limit goes against expert planning advice commissioned by City of Hobart Council was also less than a number of existing Hobart buildings.

“Any decisions made by the Hobart City Council which prevent accommodation or housing developments proceeding have flow on effects for the availability of housing across southern Tasmania,” Mr Jaensch said.

City of Hobart Council was contacted for comment.

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