The City of Launceston council's decision to approve a specific area plan for the proposed Gorge Hotel site has been welcomed by the developer, however, opponents maintain they will not give up the fight against the project.
Heritage not High-rise Launceston member Jim Collier has been campaigning against the 39-metre high, 160-room development since neighbouring restaurateur Susie Cai first launched her 2019 appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Approval.
Mr Collier cited the 59 public submissions opposing Thursday's SAP decision against one positive submission as evidence of the community sentiment.
"That's a fairly high submission rate for Launceston," he said.
"I have absolutely no doubt that the Launceston community is concerned about this development."
Proponent and JAC Group managing director Dean Cocker said the development was an important project for tourism and employment in Northern Tasmania.
"[The project] will generate up to 300 jobs during construction and over 280 direct and indirect jobs ongoing," he said.
Whilst he acknowledged community concerns, Mr Cocker said the tribunal had found "the amenity of neighbours would not not unreasonably affected by overshadowing as they retain more sunlight than the standard that applies in a general residential area".
However, Mr Collier said he and other members of Heritage not High-Rise remained concerned about the height of the development in the proposed location.
"Mainly because of it's location - it's virtually right at the entrance of the Cataract Gorge," he said.
"The Cataract Gorge is an icon to the people of Launceston, it's Launceston's greatest natural asset."
Despite the decision by the council, Mr Collier maintained that he would continue to oppose the development.
"It's a long way down the road and yesterday's decision was not unexpected," he said.
"So we'll just keep appealing against it."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Sarah Davison
Education reporter at The Examiner, with an additional focus on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. With a background in Psychology, Sarah completed her Master's thesis on the Australian media's coverage of familicide. Get in touch: sarah.davison@examiner.com.au or 0448 682 861
Education reporter at The Examiner, with an additional focus on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. With a background in Psychology, Sarah completed her Master's thesis on the Australian media's coverage of familicide. Get in touch: sarah.davison@examiner.com.au or 0448 682 861
