Opponents call for rethink over spacing in 470-lot housing plan for Huntingfield

A residential development that includes lots set aside for social and affordable housing has drawn the ire of an alliance of community groups. Find out why >>

AN alliance of community groups has launched a petition about a contentious large-scale development at Huntingfield, calling for a rethink of the project’s density.

The group — featuring Kingborough, Huntingfield, Blackmans Bay, Howden and Woodbridge residents and the Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania — is also asking for a six-week consultation period to be extended, and for investment in “already stretched” infrastructure.

The State Government last month released a draft master plan for the 470-lot residential development for the Channel Highway site, 3.5km from Kingston.

Some of the lots are being set aside for social and affordable housing.

PROJECT PROMISES HUNDREDS OF HOMES AND JOBS

SUBDIVISION SLAMMED DESPITE HOUSING CRISIS

A housing land supply order to rezone the 67ha of government land passed both houses of parliament in September last year, as part of a response to the state’s housing crisis. The group is petitioning the Government through the Legislative Council and is being backed by independent MLC Meg Webb.

Co-principal of Tarremah school John Correy, Rosalie Maynard of Blackmans Bay Community Association, and Huntingfield resident Matt Jones at the site of the proposed development. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Lead petitioner, Huntingfield resident Matt Jones, said roads, public transport, schools and medical services were already “bursting at the seams”.

Mr Jones, a father-of-two, said the roads were congested, schools were full and he accused the Government of not thinking the development through.

“They’ve got their eye on getting houses in the ground and not looking at the infrastructure in the area,’’ he said.

“We’re not against a development, we just wanted it done properly, and we want to have our voices heard so that new and existing residents can enjoy the region.”

FAST-TRACK HUNTINGFIELD PARK AND RIDE FACILITY: RACT

HUNTINGFIELD HOMES SITE A STEP CLOSER

Blackmans Bay Community Association president Rosalie Maynard shared concerns about the lack of infrastructure.

Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania president and Blackmans Bay resident Anne Harrison said the consultation process had been compromised.

CONCERNS OVER DENSITY OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said last month that the council would not have discretion to reject the proposal because of new planning rules.

Cr Winter said if the project had gone through a standard rezoning process, it would likely not have been approved.

Planning and Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the public consultation for Huntingfield had already been extended from four to six weeks.

He said this was in addition to other mechanisms for people to have their say, including delivery of information to households and an interactive website.

He said the project would be subject to a further 14-day exhibition period once a development application was lodged with the council.