Prominent developer Errol Stewart puts forward plans to build 56 affordable dwellings in South Launceston
A prominent Tasmanian developer has put forward plans for two apartment blocks on a vacant Launceston block. The organisation putting its support behind the build.
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Affordable apartments could alleviate the lack of housing in Tasmania, adding supply to overwhelming demand.
Launceston could soon have two new apartment blocks in the south with a new planning application submitted to the council.
The plans from JMC Group show two large apartment blocks are proposed for 9 Rose Lane South Launceston, which is currently vacant land.
These 56 dwellings, proposed by developer Errol Stewart have been proposed specifically for social/affordable housing.
There are two three-storey buildings proposed, building one will have 28 dwellings, 16 two-bed units and 12 one-bedroom units, and be 12.65 metres tall and building two will have the same but slightly taller, standing at 12.95 metres, however the site is slightly elevated.
There will be 44 car parks for building one and 50 for building two.
The area is a general residential zone and the block will take up 9125.9 sq/m, and includes a road ending in a court between the two buildings.
Included in the planning application is a letter of support from Community Housing Tasmania.
“Tasmania is home to some of the most unaffordable regions across the country according to data released in the annual Rental Affordability Index,” the letter from state manager Jamie Round said.
Mr Round wrote how Tasmania is experiencing “growing inequality” due to cost-of-living pressures and its impact on social housing, crisis accommodation and homelessness service.
The letter states how Community Housing Tasmania encouraged efforts from organisations who are addressing the current housing crisis and how a broad effort is needed not just from the levels of government to support this issue.
City of Launceston council’s Housing Plan, which will be debated at the next council meeting, identified a lack of new homes as a key challenge to the housing crisis.
A goal in this strategy is to increase housing variety and deliver housing needs.
The housing plan found Launceston increasing by around 500 residents a year since 2014 and approximately 1500 new homes needed by 2045 just to house today’s population.
It has also identified the increase in very low-income households reinforces the need for affordable and social housing. The plan also criticised the state government, stating “the state’s social housing sector has failed to keep pace with demand.”
The plan stated as of 2024, the shortfall in social housing in Tasmania has grown to nearly 5000 dwellings, with projections indicating a gap of 7000 by 2032.
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