Concerns raised over prime land at Blackmans Bay being converted into an affordable housing estate

Dozens of objections have been lodged against a plan to turn 3ha of coastal land into an affordable housing estate.

Presentation Sisters congregation leader Sister Gabrielle Morgan at the site of the proposed housing development. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

MORE than 50 objections have been made against a plan to turn 3ha of valuable coastal land south of Hobart into an affordable housing estate.

The parcel of land along Blackmans Bay is owned by the Tasmanian Presentation Sisters, a group of Catholic nuns.

The Sisters’ plan involves developing the land into a mix of affordable and social housing.

But before it lodges a development application, it is seeking approval for a planning scheme amendment from the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

There were 56 objections to the planning scheme amendment and only one, from TasWater, which did not raise any objections.

RESIDENTS TO FIGHT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

PRIME LAND EARMARKED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The submissions to Kingborough Council were accompanied by a petition with 1093 signatures opposed to the amendment and all will be tabled at a council meeting on Monday.

Concerns raised by Blackmans Bay residents include a lack of public consultation, minimal concern given to the character and appeal of the area, increased traffic, infrastructure and storm water problems, and the overall impact on native vegetation and endangered fauna.

There were also complaints made that affordable housing is not suitable for the location and the potential negative effect on property prices in surrounding areas.

Blackmans Bay residents formed a group called Save Blackmans Bay Bluff to stop the development.

Resident Erica Clark said the negative sentiment towards the development was palpable in the community.

“When I speak to people in the community they are still agitated and upset by this development,” she said.

“The proposal fits inner urban Kingston but not the low-residential area of Blackmans Bay.”

Ms Clark said the group had engaged its own advocate to represent it at the commission hearing.

Presentation Sisters congregation leader Sister Gabrielle Morgan has previously told the Mercury the Sisters were committed to supporting people with a particular focus on education and housing needs.

The site will be developed and managed by CatholicCare Tasmania, on behalf of the Sisters.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission will have the final say on the amendment.