Passionate Lenah Valley residents voice their disapproval to a 21-lot subdivision request

Hobart City Council has taken steps to resolve a dispute between Lenah Valley residents and a landowner over a contentious housing subdivision plan.

Passionate Lenah Valley residents packed into a planning committee meeting last night at Town Hall to voice their disapproval of a subdivision request at Lenah Valley Rd. Picture: NEWS CORP

HOBART City Council may appoint a mediator between Lenah Valley residents and a landowner over a contentious housing subdivision plan.

Passionate Lenah Valley residents packed into a planning committee meeting last night at Town Hall to voice their disapproval to the 21-lot subdivision request on 2.3ha of land at Lenah Valley Rd.

Council officers had approved the proposal, which would have created at least 21 new homes.

There were 33 objections to the plan during the public consultation phase, with many citing the adverse effect a subdivision would have on density, traffic, stormwater, trees, character and wildlife.

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One resident, architect Scott Christensen even provided an alternative plan with 18 lots instead of 21.

“We are not opposed to a good quality subdivision on this site,” he said.

“There are many alterations that could improve this poorly considered design and reduce its impact on all of the surrounding neighbours, the local wildlife and the landscape character of Lenah Valley Rd,” he said.

“If the density is slightly reduced and a little more nature is considered and retained this proposal would be far more acceptable to the neighbours and community.”

Representing the landowner, Leary & Cox director Tim Cox said it was a challenging site but the team had worked hard to meet all the engineering and planning requirements.

“I believe the proposal adheres to the planning scheme quite nicely,” he said.

Mr Cox indicated he would take a mediation request to the applicant.

Alderman Jeff Briscoe moved a motion for a deferral so a mediation could happen.

The motion was supported 4-1 by the committee.

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