Fate of planning scheme amendment for Mary Knoll housing proposal rests with Tasmanian Planning Commission

A Tasmanian council has the left the fate of an affordable housing project in the hands of another authority.

Mary Knoll at Blackmans Bay.

THE fate of a contentious planning scheme amendment for an affordable housing project south of Hobart rests with the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Kingborough Council last night resolved to maintain its stance that the proposed rezoning at the Mary Knoll site, a 3ha block of land at Blackmans Bay, be decided by the commission.

KINGBOROUGH COUNCIL TO VOTE ON MARY KNOLL HOUSING PROPOSAL

Community submissions on the proposed changes and the strategic planning advice of council officers will also be sent to the TPC.

The Mary Knoll site has been marked for development of multiple residential and road lots, and public open space.

COUNCILLORS CONDEMN ‘LACK OF COMPASSION’

The planning scheme amendment would see some of the property rezoned from low-density residential to general residential, in line with almost the entire suburb of Blackmans Bay.

Dean Winter. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

“Ultimately the decision on the merits of the proposal are for the Tasmanian Planning Commission to decide,” Cr Winter said.

“We know there is a housing crisis in greater Hobart and I hope any future development at the site will help add much-needed housing supply.”

The council received 57 representations on the proposed development — 56 opposed.

A 1093-signature petition against the development was also passed to the council.

Blackmans Bay Community Advocacy Group spokesman John Maynard said the group was worried the rezoning goes against council’s Interim Planning Scheme and against past outcomes of community consultations on Blackmans Bay Bluff.