Welcome Stranger proponent Hexa Group lodges appeal to have development application refusal overturned

The proponent of a $30 million, 13-storey Hobart apartment block has launched an appeal to have its development application refusal overturned.

Welcome Stranger proponent Hexa Group has launched an appeal to have its development application refusal overturned.

Project spokesman Quinten Villanueva confirmed the Melbourne-based property development had lodged an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Welcome Stranger development spokesman Quinten Villanueva. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

It’s not know yet when the appeal will be heard.

Hobart City Council rejected Hexa Group’s development application for a $30 million, 13-storey apartment building for the prime CBD site on the corner of Davey and Harrington streets earlier this month.

• WHO IS THE HEXA GROUP?

The proposal has become one of the most talked about developments in Hobart in recent memory, alongside the controversial cable car and Fragrance Group’s plans.

The council rejected the application in a 7-4 vote, siding with their planning officers who had recommended refusal because it did not meet heritage elements of the planning scheme.

An artist impression of the proposed Welcome Stranger development from St David's Park.

These included the loss of original 19th century historic fabric and its bulk, scale and siting with respect to a listed building.

DEVELOPER LODGES PLANS FOR APARTMENTS AT PUB SITE

Developer Hexa Group hoped to build 52 apartments and two ground floor retail tenancies across a 45m-tall building that included retaining a heritage-listed house at 59 Davey St as a wine cellar and bar.

The council received 883 submissions on the proposal, of which 800 were against.