Property Council slams decision on building height limits

A Hobart alderman has laughed off suggestions that limiting Hobart’s building heights will stifle the city’s economy.

65 Murray St, on the corner of Liverpool St, is 45 metres high — the same height as the new proposed Hobart building limit. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

HOBART Alderman Jeff Briscoe has laughed off suggestions that limiting Hobart’s building heights will stifle the city’s economy.

On Monday night, Hobart City Council’s planning committee voted to cut the maximum building height in the Hobart CBD from 60m to 45m.

The change is yet to go before the full council for a vote but is likely to pass next Monday.

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Property Council of Australia Tasmanian executive director Brian Wightman said he was “flabbergasted” by the decision.

“How could it be a situation when we had amendments proposed on the table with zero consultation that reduces building size by 25 per cent in Hobart from 60m to 45m?

“To have these amendments put on the table at the 11th hour is no way to run planning in this city.”

Property Council of Australia Tasmanian executive director Brian Wightman.

Mr Wightman said the change in height limits would have made it impossible to build many of the city’s landmark buildings.

“What I find absolutely ridiculous is that now with the Wooley report is that we would now consider buildings like the Melville Street student accommodation, the silos, and MACq 01 non-conforming buildings.

“If you’re reducing from 60m to 45m like was proposed last night by the planning committee what economic viability study were you relying on to make that decision?”

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin called for the council to urgently rethink the proposed change.

“Everyone is in furious agreement that we don’t want skyscrapers in Hobart and we need to protect special areas like Sullivans Cove, but reducing the maximum building height in the CBD to just 45m is going to hurt Hobart,” he said.

“There are already at least 10 buildings in the CBD that are 45m or taller. What we need is a planning system that encourages the right developments, at a sensible height, in the right areas.

“What the council is proposing is just a blunt stick to beat up people who dare to try and invest in Hobart.”

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Hobart City Council Alderman Simon Behrakis was one of the two members of the committee who voted against the change. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

But Ald Briscoe said the decision to lower the city’s building heights was because there was an economic benefit to having a low-rise city.

“We are different to every city in Australia,” he said.

“The argument that if you limit heights you’re stopping economic progress is ridiculous.

“I haven’t heard of any developer building high-rise affordable housing — they are looking at the high-end market.

“Wilkinson Point in Glenorchy is a perfect place for high-rise hotels.”

Alderman Simon Behrakis was one of two members of the committee who voted against the change.

“Any height limits that are set will have, for better or worse, wide-ranging and long-lasting impacts on the future of our capital city,” he said.

“As such, the council has a duty of care to ensure that it takes into consideration all relevant factors and inform itself as best as possible before deciding on what is a crucial matter.

“Assertions made during the meeting that height limits and restrictions to development will have little to no economic impact or effect to housing affordability are absurd, not least because of the lack of research or economic advice, and the apparent aversion to conduct proper research into the matter.”