Fragrance Group sells site as high rise plan is scaled back
A controversial high rise plan has been scaled back as it goes through the tribunal process. It’s also been revealed Fragrance Group has sold the site. Find out who the buyer was.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A tribunal will assess an amended design in the appeal of a decision rejecting a controversial project in Hobart.
In 2018, Fragrance Group’s proposal to build two towers, one 12 storeys high and the other 13 storeys, was refused by the Hobart City Council.
The plan stretches across 242-250, 236-240 and 222-228 Elizabeth Street, 313 Murray Street, 68 and 72 Warwick Street in Hobart.
The development included a 214 hotel room development along with 91 apartments.
It also included 200 carparking spaces.
The Hobart City Council rejected the proposal, which one councillor said “dramatically failed” the planning scheme.
The proposal was also opposed by group Hobart Not Highrise, which said the proposal was too high.
Fragrance Group then took the project to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal in 2019.
Last year, the applicants successfully amended the design for consideration by the tribunal, reducing the number of hotel rooms from 214 to 171 and the number of residential units from 91 to 48.
The height was reduced by four storeys.
The applicant more recently applied for the considered design to be amended again, reducing the number of hotel rooms from 171 to 145 and increasing the number of residential units from 48 to 49.
Under the most recent amendment, the height of the development is reduced by six storeys for each building.
The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which now handles the functions of RMPAT, granted the amendment late last month.
It’s also been revealed Fragrance Group sold the site in October last year to La Vie Kelso.
Fragrance Group applied to have its name substituted for La Vie Kelso on its appeal application but TASCAT ruled it did not have the power to do so.
“The application to substitute the appellant has been made by Fragrance,” the TASCAT determination report said.
“La Vie Kelso is not the applicant, nor has it joined in the application. There is nothing before the Tribunal to indicate its consent to be substituted as the appellant.”
A hearing is listed for January 23 next year, but it was noted there could be delays if Fragrance was successful in substituting La Vie Kelso.
What could thwart Kangaroo Bay Hotel, even if it is approved
The Kangaroo Bay Hotel has been declared a ‘major project’, but there’s a glaring complication which could arise, even if it’s approved, as both parties claim ownership of the waterfront land.
Lambie MP maintains budget rage with rare move
Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has maintained his one-man opposition to the state budget in a rare move as it passed through the House of Assembly.