George Town Council gives green light to 40-lot subdivision at Beechford on the state’s northeast

Despite pushback from the community, a Tasmanian council’s decision could double the population of a tiny town. Here’s why.

Plan for subdivision at Lot 1, Davis St, Beechford. Picture: Woolcott Surveys

The George Town Council has given the green light to a 40-lot subdivision at Beechford that would double the township’s population.

George Town councillors voted 7-1 in favour of the subdivision despite concerns from local residents about what the development would mean for the town.

Under the proposal, the vacant 7.3ha site, located at Lot 1 Davis Street, Beechford, will be developed into 40 residential lots, with sizes between 1262 sqm and 2922 sqm, with access to the new estate through Davis Street.

After the subdivision was proposed in November last year, 17 representations were raised, including concerns over wastewater management, the impact of increased traffic, and a lack of amenities such as footpaths and sewerage.

According to census data, Beechford, northeast of George Town, has a population of 111 within 62 private dwellings.

At the council meeting, Beechford resident Justin Hagen said he was concerned that the township’s resources would be stretched if the development application was approved.

“The village of Beechford at present does not have the facilities or infrastructure to cope with such a development,” he said.

Subject site at Lot 1, Davis St, Beechford. Picture: Environmental Service & Design

Town planner Justin Simons said the subdivision would not impact existing infrastructure, and any required infrastructure would be installed as part of the development plans.

“Any infrastructure that is relied on by this development will be required to be upgraded to meet the requirements of this development,” he said.

“So while it’s not there, now, it will happen as a result of this development.

“It is not the developer’s responsibility to fund upgrades to a capacity that will cater for everybody that’s already connected to those systems.”

Councillor Simone Lowe said given that the planning authority recommended approving the subdivision, and that approval was subject to conditions to ensure compliance with the applicable Performance Criteria and the planning scheme, she supported the subdivision.

“The report outlines that a number of conditions are being imposed on the developer to ensure that they meet the standards, and from what I can read in the recommendations provided, there’s no choice but to approve,” Ms Lowe said.

“I really feel for the Beechford community that is struggling with this, but we’re here today to act on behalf of the planning authority, and on that, I ask all counsellors to support the motion.”

Mayor Greg Kieser, Councillor Tim Harris, Councillor Heather Ashley, Councillor Winston Mason, Councillor Simone Lowe, Councillor Jason Orr, and Deputy Mayor Greg Dawson voted in favour of the subdivision, while Councillor Heather Barwick voted against it.