Derby brewery, distillery: Ex-mayor Lawrence Archer appeals plan to TasCAT

A former Tasmanian mayor and councillor has appealed the approval of a planned development in a popular tourist town. WHY >>

A former northeastern Tasmania mayor and councillor has appealed the approval of a proposed microbrewery, gin distillery and cafe redevelopment to TasCAT, arguing planners erred in concluding the existing public carparking facilities would sufficiently cater to the proposal.

Ex-George Town mayor and Dorset councillor Lawrence John Archer, the father-in-law of Federal Bass MP Bridget Archer, appealed Dorset Council’s approval of Tim Kemsley and Kate Brown’s proposed LOT40 development at 55 Main St, Derby, owners of the former Tin Mine Centre, in February.

Under the approval, the couple, who have previously built three boutique accommodation units on-site which operate under the brand Tin Mountain, would install a small-batch brewery and gin distillery to produce the pair’s own Blue Trail brand in the centre’s basement, build a bar and deck which overlooks the Ringarooma River, and renovate and relaunch the former Crank It Cafe.

Former George Town mayor and Dorset councillor Lawrence Archer. Picture: File

In his grounds of appeal, obtained by the Mercury, Mr Archer argues planners were wrong in approving the development as it “does not have commercial parking area available on-site... does not provide any on-site vehicle parking... and is likely to generate more than 40 vehicle movements per day”.

Mr Archer cited various clauses of the Dorset Council Planning Scheme which he claimed supported his position.

In particular, he claimed commercial vehicles were required to be parked within the boundary of the property, the proposed use required 23 on-site parking spaces, and that only less than 40 vehicle entry and exit movements to the site were permissible.

Derby’s Tin Mountain boutique accommodation. Picture: Supplied

Dorset town planners approved the development on the basis that: “The availability of public carparking spaces within reasonable walking distance is adequate for the proposed use as the adjoining public car park areas and carparking spaces on Main St are capable of being shared by multiple uses.”

Kate Brown and Tim Kemsley, owners of Derby's Tin Mountain centre. Picture: Supplied

There is a public carpark adjoining, at 57 Main St, the proposed LOT40 development, which Dorset Mayor Greg Howard said was specifically built to service the centre and is currently under-utilised.

Mr Howard also noted a new 85-space carpark was in the works, to be constructed on the site of the current depot next to the Federal Hotel on Main St, which council will be vacating once it receives final approval from Mineral Resources Tasmania, as the new depot requires a small excision from a mining lease.

The former Crank It Cafe which will be renovated and relaunched under plans for the Derby LOT40 redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

Mr Archer and Ms Brown were both contacted for comment.

A date for the two-day TasCAT hearing into the matter is yet to be set.