Hobart City Council has given the green light to Fragrance Group’s scaled-back city apartments

Hobart City Council has made the call on an up-market 45-unit complex in the city’s centre after months of debate over the block’s height, and whether it was suitable for the area.

• Fragrance Group’s revised plans for a 45-unit apartment block
• Hobart Not Highrise pushing for new vote on building heights

A DEVELOPER who heeded concerns about building heights has gained approval for an up-market 45-unit apartment block in Hobart.

The height of Fragrance Group’s planned development at the former Conservatorium of Music site was reduced from 33m to 27m.

The development was approved 10-2 at Monday night’s Council meeting.

The Old Conservatory of Music at 5-7 Sandy Bay Road. Design: IRENEINC PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN

Alderman Damon Thomas said council needed to help stimulate the city’s building sector.

“We need to show this city is here for sustainable development and sustainable housing,” he said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, who voted against the proposal along with Councillor Mike Dutta, said the building was still too high.

Councillor Bill Harvey said the proposal was suitable for the area.

“I’m hoping developers realise if they put forward appropriate height buildings they will have a very high rate of success in Hobart,” he said.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds praised council staff who worked with the proponent to amend the application.

“They have produced during those discussions a more respectful development that has a little bit more of the balance that I think people in Hobart are looking for,” she said.