HOTEL HOWDEN STOUSH

THE proponent of a multimillion-dollar expansion at popular Villa Howden will “consider all available options” if the Kingborough Council accepts the recommendation of its planning staff and rejects the development application.

Kingborough councillors have been advised to refuse, at tonight’s meeting, the proposal by the Australian Travel and Culture Group — headed by Chinese developer William Wei — to increase the footprint of the weddings and accommodation facility.

It would have increased Villa Howden’s existing visitor capacity from 10 to 45 rooms, created a new dining area, a guestsonly bar and a new pool and spa.

Planning staff have said the development is not consistent with Kingborough’s Environmental Living Zone.

Kingborough general manager Gary Arnold said the zone required development to be reflective and responsive to the natural or landscape values and to also provide for limited community and tourism uses that do not impact on natural values or residential amenity.

The report by planning officer’s said the increase in floor area of the development would be “well above” the maximum allowable under the Kingbor- ough planning scheme. However, Mr Wei believes the proposal meets all of Kingborough’s planning standards.

“It is very disappointing that the proposed development has been recommended for refusal,” Mr Wei told the Mercury.

“The development would employ 50 people to construct and 30 people long-term.

“It appears the development is being refused because in the Kingborough planners’ opinion it is too big.”

Mr Wei — who bought the site last year for $20 million — said the upgrade was needed to accommodate increasing tourism numbers and if it was rejected tonight he would consider all available options.

“We are seeking to develop an existing hotel into a larger, but still small, hotel. It needs to be that size to be economically viable,” he said.