KFC Hobart plans rejected by full council
The future of a planned KFC with a drive through in Hobart’s CBD has been decided after a council meeting. DETAILS >>
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Plans for a KFC with a drive through in Hobart’s CBD have been quashed by the council, in the hopes developers will proceed with plans for a previously approved apartment complex at the site.
On Monday the council voted to refuse the application, which was not supported by the Hobart Planning Committee earlier this month over concerns around nearby schools and traffic.
The future of the site appeared undecided, with the application for the fast food outlet and an application to extend the time the approved application also on the table.
The application for a 39 dwelling apartment complex at 209-213 Harrington Street received the tick of approval back in 2019, but since then nothing has been built.
The permit was issued until May 20, 2021 but the applicant has requested it be extended to May 2023.
The site on Harrington St is also on the market.
“We do have the same opportunity of deciding what goes in there,” Ald Simon Behrakis said.
“What we do have before us was previously permitted and I think this would be a good outcome if this was approved.”
The planning committee voted to extend the approval for the apartments until 2023, which was unanimously supported by the full council.
JUNE 6
Plans for a KFC in Hobart’s CBD have been fried by the Hobart planning committee, with councillors hoping developers instead build a previously approved apartment complex at the site
The KFC was earmarked for Harrington Street, but its proximity to schools raised eyebrows.
St Mary’s College principal Damien Messer told the committee the street was already very busy.
“There was no mention on the impact on the pedestrian crossing where there’s been two near misses,” he said.
Representing the developer, 6ty° planning consultant George Walker said the store’s peak periods would not clash with school drop off.
“One thing I’d note is the morning times, the restaurant doesn’t open until 10am,” Mr Walker said.
“The peak periods will be between 5pm and 8pm, it’s outside of the peak period for schools.”
Ald Jeff Briscoe said he had “deep concerns” about the proposed KFC development.
“The design is okay but the traffic at this site is so problematic for the 2000 schoolchildren,” Mr Briscoe said.
Cr Mike Dutta said there were a number of grounds to oppose the development.
“I think parking is going to be a real problem, parking is a major issue here,” Mr Dutta said.
The KFC application was refused by the planning committee 3-1, but it’s not completely cooked.
The DA will go before the full council next week.
Councillor Bill Harvey said he was confused around the intention of the site, with an application for an extension of time for a previously approved apartment development also before the planning committee.
“We’ve got a KFC proposal, this existing development application, plus the site is up for sale,” Mr Harvey said.
“This is a really confusing site for me at the moment, there’s so much going on for this site.”
Applicant Steve Chau said he was surprised to see the application for time extension on the agenda.
“I actually haven’t heard anything for nine months, as far as I was aware the extension was stuck in limbo,” Mr Chau said.
“In that time the proposal for the KFC development had come through.
“It is surprising but also welcome.”
Councillors talked about the possibility of the applicant going back to the drawing board on part of the apartment application.
Mr Chau said it would require a significant redesign.
“There’s been significant expense expired on that site to date, we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Mr Chau said.
“To consider another major design on that, it’s a hard swallow to be frank.”
Ald Simon Behrakis said extending the permit would be the smart thing to do if the committee had concerns around a fast food outlet opposite a school.
“If we were to refuse this, the fast food outlet might be what we’re stuck with inadvertently,” Mr Behrakis said.
“I think if we were to put that requirement to go back to the drawing board it might never get built.”
The committee unanimously approved the extension of time for the apartment development until 2023.
Unusual twist in application for new Hobart KFC restaurant
June 6, 6am
Plans for a new KFC store in Hobart’s CBD will go before the planning committee on Monday, but the direction for the site appears to be undecided as the developers seek to extend the permit of a previously approved application.
The most recent DA outlines plans for a KFC on the corner of Harrington Street and Patrick Street, a site currently occupied by an old Jacksons Security building.
It’s proposed the old building be demolished to make way for the development, which includes a drive through and a car park.
During the advertising period, there were 22 representations submitted objecting to the proposal.
Among the reasons for opposition were concerns the build would lead to anti-social behaviour in the area, that it would lead to traffic issues and that the fast food franchise would be too close to St Mary’s and St Virgil’s Colleges.
“At a combined student population of more than 2000 local children, there are undeniable risks that this may contribute to future obesity and associated chronic health issues to a majority of that student population,” one submission said.
“International studies show that students who go to schools in close proximity to fast food restaurants consumed less fruit and vegetables, more soda, and were more likely to be overweight or obese,” another said.
The car park would be built on the adjoining lot at 209-213 Harrington Street, providing 20 spaces, including two accessibility spaces.
It’s proposed the store operate between 6am – 10pm Monday through to Saturday and 7am – 9pm on Sundays and public holidays.
The application for the new store has been assessed by planning officers and was recommended for approval, with conditions.
But whether the developer is set on building the fast food outlet looks to be undecided, with the council to also consider extending the permit issued for a previously approved development on part of the site.
The application for a 39 dwelling apartment complex at 209-213 Harrington Street received the tick of approval back in 2019, but since then nothing has been built.
The permit was issued until May 20, 2021 but the applicant has requested it be extended to May 2023.
A Hobart council officer said multiple development applications could exist for the same site.
Permits can be extended for a maximum of six years.
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