Hobart City Council rejects a 45m CBD height limit – and calls for another report

UPDATED: In a dramatic Hobart City Council meeting, aldermen have rejected a 45m cap on CBD building heights.

The Hobart City Council has voted down a proposal for a 45m height limit in the Hobart CBD. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

IN a dramatic night at Hobart City Council aldermen rejected a 45m cap on CBD building heights.

Instead, the council will seek another report into the social, environmental and economic impact any proposed height restrictions would have on the city.

In a heated council meeting on Monday night, for more than an hour aldermen debated the planning city committee recommendation to lower heights in the CBD to 45m in zone 1.

It means the council-commissioned review by architect Leigh Woolley, which cost ratepayers $80,000, has been shelved.

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Alderman Jeff Briscoe tried to appease the aldermen who opposed the 45m cap by moving an amendment that a report be prepared to look into social and economic impacts proposed in the height limits.

Aldermen rejected this amendment 7-4.

Alderman Simon Behrakis said: “It was only a couple of years ago I was at school and my understanding is that you study first and then submit the assignment.

“I think the idea of submitting something and then agreeing afterwards in hindsight that we need to do the research is quite absurd.”

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Tonight we didn't lose anything. Those of us who want to see height restrictions, were not advocating 4 high-rise, we were advocating for more knowledge. Getting more knowledge is not losing, it's getting more facts via a report. #politas

— Councillor Sherlock (@ZelSherlock) December 17, 2018

Alderman Simon Behrakis during the meeting. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A fired-up Alderman Marti Zucco tried to have the matter deferred but Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds did not accept the motion, which the chair of the council meeting can do.

Ald Zucco instead moved a motion for a further report, to compare the impacts of proposed height restrictions that are detailed in the current planning scheme, the original Leigh Woolley report recommendation and the planning committee recommendations.

“The council commissioned Tasmanian architect Leigh Woolley at a cost to ratepayers of $80,000 and for the planning committee to totally disregard this work was a serious concern,” he said.

“The final outcome of an impact assessment on all heights from 45m to the current planning scheme ensures that proper process occurs for the future of our city.”

Ald Zucco’s motion passed 7-4.

Councillor Bill Harvey’s motion to revert to the orginal Woolley 60m recommendation did not go to a vote as Ald Zucco’s motion had already been passed, rendering Cr Harvey’s motion void.

Aldermen Marti Zucco and Peter Sexton during the debate on building heights. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A clearly upset Alderman Briscoe said the decision meant the view lines in Hobart would not be protected and blamed the new aldermen on the council for the outcome.

“The new aldermen may have to consider what they have done tonight – let’s hope we can recover next year,” he said.

Councillor Mike Dutta rose from his seat to reject the assertion saying he found it “denigrating and offensive”.

“I find that comment not very professional.”

Councillor Mike Dutta took objection to statements from Alderman Jeff Briscoe. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch welcomed the rejection of a 45m cap.

“While a desire to now understand the social and economic impacts of building height limits is encouraging, the fact remains that the council has already commissioned and received a report on building heights which had very clear recommendations,” he said.

“It is important that any decisions on building heights are based on sound planning and expert advice.”

Property Council of Australia’s Tasmanian executive director Brian Wightman said it was a “commonsense outcome”.

“The Property Council noted that this process should have been adopted immediately following receipt of the Woolley reports,” he said.

Hobart Not High Rise president Brian Corr said he remained optimistic about the council voting for a heights cap, despite the rejection.

“The cap didn’t get up however it didn’t go down,” he said.

“We’re disappointed it didn’t go through but we feel that hope is not lost.

“However, I question the purpose of a new report. I would think this information should have been found in the first instance, now it seems we’re paying for that for them.”