GreenVille Korean-lead housing development proposed for Rokeby hits planning hurdle

A huge housing subdivision proposed for Hobart’s eastern shore has hit a snag, with the council expected to consult the community on proposed changes.

• Developers revive Korean housing project
• Korean suburb ParanVille plans back before Clarence City Council

PLANS for a Korean-led housing development on Hobart’s eastern shore are partly on hold until an issue about what order the stages will be built in is resolved by the new developers and council.

Clarence City Council will consider on Monday night a report about a request to amend the master plan and approved staging of the ParanVille Specific Area Plan.

The request was made as part of a 126-lot subdivision at 145 Pass Rd, Rokeby, which is currently on hold until the current matter is resolved and which forms part of a larger development.

In 2009, there was a proposal to build a large housing development at Rokeby by developers MBKIM Group, originally called ParanVille.

Developers Anna Kim and Paul Kim of the MBKIM Group releasing plans for ParanVille in 2009.

In 2011, the council initiated planning scheme amendments including rezoning, an extension of the Urban Growth Boundary and the introduction of a development plan to accommodate the project.

The plan was partially revived in 2018 by new owners Daesungtas Pty Ltd under the new name GreenVille and is spruiked as having a value of $500 million.

Daesungtas’ website describes the project as being “a sustainable community lifestyle village” drawing on Tasmania’s “international image as a clean green, safe and politically stable state.”

“The development concept flows from an identified demand from international investors, but it will also to be openly available as an alternative residential option in the Tasmanian real estate market,” the description read.

The application currently before the council proposes minor changes to the lot layout, with the main change being to relocate one of the roads so it adjoins the public open space lot, as well as changing the timing of the stages.

The council report said the current proposal was for 115 residential lots and two public open space lots, with none of the previously promised community facilities or a language school proposed at this time.

“Given the delay in developing the site since first approved in 2009, the developer clearly has little interest at this time in developing the site in the manner in which it was originally approved,” the report said.

“The implications of approving this request to alter the staging originally proposed and approved, will de-emphasise the non-residential aspects of the development, including the language school and community facilities and there must be some doubt now as to whether they will eventuate.”

Then Premier Lara Giddings announcing the Tasmanian Planning Commission had approved the ParanVille development, with developers Anna Kim and Paul Kim.

A letter to the council from the proponents’ planner Frazer Read from All Urban Planning said the changes to the staging of the development would allow for “logical sequencing” to connect with road, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure currently under construction.

“It will not prevent the subsequent use and development of the community living and language school and in fact will make that use more viable,” Mr Read wrote.

It has been recommended the council consult the community before making a final decision.

“The community may feel a degree of dissatisfaction if key elements of the project are changed without their knowledge and opportunity to have a say,” the report said.