North Hobart towers ‘bad fit’

PLANNING officers have recommended the Hobart City Council refuse Fragrance Group’s controversial application to build a 13-storey hotel and residential project in North Hobart because it would dominate the streetscape.

The recommendation to council says it would detract from more modest heritagelisted properties nearby.

The revised development application — which includes two high towers and shopping facilities, will be considered by the council’s Planning Committee tonight.

The public consultation period for the project closed on July 12, with nearly 800 people objecting to the towers.

But the council had to reopen submissions on a revised development because the proponent failed to detail hydraulic works.

Planning officers have now recommend the council refuse the application for the partial demolition, alterations and redevelopment of the prominent Elizabeth and Warwick St site saying the bulk of the project did not respect the transition between the core area of the Central Business Zone and adjacent areas.

The council planning committee agenda for tonight’s meeting says the proposal would have a “materially adverse impact” on the streetscape because it visually dominated surrounding areas.

It says any potential benefit in terms of economic activity and civic amenities did not override the proposal’s noncompliance with the Amenity Building Envelope.

“The proposal does not demonstrate that it will minimise unacceptable wind conditions in Elizabeth St,” the recommendation says.

“Its height unreasonably dominates existing buildings of cultural heritage significance and has a materially adverse impact of the historic cultural heritage significance.”

The recommendation also criticises the design of the facade which it says is not “sympathetic” to the elevational treatment and materials of the existing heritage places.