Seppeltsfield Oscar Hotel ‘slug’ in Barossa approved by Light Council

Hotel developers will still need to fight if they want to move ahead with building their controversial “urban monster” in the Barossa, local opponents say.

The fight is not over say Barossa residents opposed to a controversial multistorey hotel development, despite their council approving its construction this week.

The Oscar Hotel, a $50m luxury hotel in Seppeltsfield dubbed “the slug” by locals was given the green light for planning and construction by the Light Regional Council on Wednesday.

Construction works are expected to commence in late 2022.

Plans to build the 12-storey hotel have triggered long-running local debate, with one community group, Taming Oscar, labelling it an “urban monster”.

Design of the Oscar hotel at Seppeltsfield. Picture: Supplied

Barossa Region Residents Association member Eva Tscharke said locals had criticised the hotel since plans were lodged in 2020.

“This is not the end. What The Oscar has done is it’s the first development that’s trying to breach the walls of character preservation legislation and it’s triggered the community coming together,” Ms Tscharke said.

“I think it’s more the beginning really. It’s not built yet, it’s far from it.”

Eva Tscharke and James Lindners photographed next to the Seppeltsfield Mausoleum which has a view back to the proposed spot for the Oscar Hotel.Image/Russell Millard

Ms Tscharke said the association was talking with Regional Development Australia and both the Barossa and Light Regional Council about the hotel.

“We see the need for luxury tourism accommodation, I think that’s where we really need to be very clear, it’s the design that is the issue here,” she said.

“Barossa’s economy is underpinned by its landscape, it has an economic landscape in enough itself, if we diminish that by allowing buildings to detract from the landscape, we ultimately lose our economic value and we undermine it.”

In addition to criticisms over the Oscar’s design, others complained it was classified as a category two development, not a category three development.

As a category two development, only residents who live 60m away from the project can lodge objections within 14 days.

They have no appeal rights.

Ms Tscharke said the association would raise funds in a bid to apply for a judicial review in a bid to stop its construction.

Design of the Oscar hotel at Seppeltsfield. Picture: Supplied

The Oscar’s project director Toby Yap said he was thrilled to “finally” have approval and to move into the next phase.

The project was funded and driven by SA business leaders, and the hotel was expected to bring an additional $90m of tourism expenditure, Mr Yap said.

It will comrpise 71 rooms including suites and penthouses with private balconies for every room.

A viewing deck on the top level of the building will reveal 360-degree views of the Barossa and the hotel will host a wellness day spa and an infinity pool.

“A tender process has been undertaken to choose a luxury hotel operator and we look forward to announcing this exciting partnership soon,” Mr Yap said.