Application development for 48-lot subdivision lodged with Latrobe Council

Despite being next to a noisy major highway, the developer behind a planned large subdivision says he has already attracted interest from people wanting to buy blocks of land.

A truck travels along Tasmania's Bass Highway.

A major housing development has been slated for Latrobe, in the state’s northwest.

A development application has been lodged with the Latrobe Council for a 48-lot subdivision on 11 Blackwood Avenue, near the Mersey Community Hospital.

Property Developer Michael Brown said this was not the first subdivision he had done.

“I’ve previously done the subdivision on Spring Rd, off Palmers Rd, that was 10 years ago,” Mr Brown said.

“I had the opportunity to purchase this block to be then able to subdivide. The blocks will be from 430sq m to 3000.”

Mr Brown said he hoped to be able to start selling the blocks within four to 12 months.

“They’ll probably start at $150,000 and range through to $250,000. I’ve already had some interest.”

The plans for a new subdivision at Latrobe. Picture: Supplied.

A traffic impact assessment estimated that once complete, the subdivision would have 432 vehicles per day driving through it.

“From Austroads Safe System Assessment of Blackwood Avenue, the crash risk score was determined to be very low,” the assessment said.

“From road safety review, no traffic safety issues were identified with the existing roads and junctions.

“From a review of five years of reported crash history for Palmers Rd and Blackwood Avenue, there is no evidence of a crash propensity.”

The assessment report stated that traffic noise would likely be loud, given that the subdivision is next to the Bass Highway and a hospital.

“Traffic on the Bass Highway dominates the noise at the western side of the proposed subdivision, with numerous large trucks and a significant number of southbound trucks using engine brakes.

“Some trucks emitted extraneous noise from vigorous flapping of tie-down straps or loose wrapping.

“A retiree neighbour estimated there are about two hospital helipad landings per week.”

The development application will likely come before the Latrobe Council and be assessed at a future meeting.