Council to decide in Gorge hotel row

LAUNCESTON councillors will this week vote on a controversial development application for a 39m tall hotel near Cataract Gorge that has attracted more than 30 objections.

City planning staff have recommended approval of an application from the JAC Group, run by Launceston businessman Josef Chromy, to build the nine-storey Gorge Hotel.

The hotel, fronting Paterson, Brisbane and Margaret streets near the Penny Royal and Kings Bridge, would boast 145 rooms and a function centre capable of hosting more than 500 delegates.

Most objections to the development were based on its height and suggestions it would block views.

“The Gorge is a natural feature in Launceston and to have it ruined with a building this tall in front of part of it is something that people in Launceston will regret for years to come,” one submission, by Allan Miller, said.

A report prepared by council planners ahead of Thursday’s meeting advised councillors says: “The site is ideal in strengthening the links between the city and the Gorge.”