HIGH RISE ANGST HEIGHTENS

OPPOSITION is growing to proposals to build high rise hotels in the Hobart CBD.

Residents of 1 Collins and Terminus on Collins have come out against plans for a 75m high, 495-room hotel by Singaporean developer the Fragrance Group. Fragrance has lodged development applications for two hotels — a 120m, 400-room hotel in Davey St and the Collins St hotel, sparking hot debate.

THE residents of 1 Collins and Terminus on Collins have come out against the proposal for a 75-metre high, 495-room hotel by Singaporean developer the Fragrance Group.

Eleven weeks ago, Fragrance lodged development applications with the Hobart City Council for two hotel developments — a 120 metre, 400-room hotel in Davey St and the Collins St hotel — worth a combined $230 million.

The proposals have provoked significant public opposition in recent weeks, but the applications have not yet been publicly advertised.

A council spokeswoman said the council was awaiting further information from the developers before the application could progress and there was no statutory time frame which required it to be delivered by a certain date.

“The ball is very much in their court,” she said.

A spokesman for 1 Collins residents, Mike Brazendale, said the interests and concerns of neighbouring properties had so far been ignored.

“Not a single person has sought to hear our views on the project, which suggests that our interests are being deliberately disregarded,” he said.

“In an era in which social licence is considered an essential prerequisite to development, it seems extraordinary that a company would not seek to consult with local residents about such a gigantic, high-rise development.”

Both resident groups believe the proposed development will dramatically increase traffic flow, cast a large shadow and affect the amenity of the area.

They will begin their campaign by contacting all aldermen about their objections.

It comes as the public can have its say for the first time about significant restrictions on potential city skyscrapers and extra criteria on “city-changing” developments being considered by the council.

A landmark report on height limits and town and streetscape-planning criteria by local architect and urban design consultant Leigh Woolley had several recommendations that could have strong implications on city development.

The proposed amendments to the planning scheme will need to go through the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which has agreed to the public exhibition period for the amendment to be extended from 28 to 42 days and will run from July 22 to September 1.

Public forums to explain the proposed amendments are also scheduled for August 8 at 5pm and August 15 at 12.30pm in the Elizabeth St conference room at the Town Hall.

A representative of the Fragrance Group did not wish to comment.