Launceston councillors give planning approval to controversial 39 metre tall Gorge Hotel despite several objections

UPDATED: A nine-storey hotel has been described as an “example of how a significant development should be proposed” despite receiving dozens of objections.

An artist’s impression of the Gorge Hotel development by Josef Chromy’s JAC Group in Launceston. Picture: CBG Architects

PLANNING approval has been granted for a 39 metre tall hotel near Cataract Gorge, with one councillor hopeful Paterson Street could become “Launceston’s answer to Salamanca in Hobart”.

The $50 million proposal from the JAC Group, founded by Launceston businessman Josef Chromy, attracted more than 30 objections — with at least one opponent having flagged an appeal at the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.

However, only one Launceston councillor present at the meeting voted against the development, which includes a nine-storey, five-star hotel, a function centre capable of hosting more than 500 delegates, a day spa and a gym.

Some councillors, while supportive of the proposal, acknowledged it would cause problems for those living nearby and urged the developers to consider their neighbours during design and construction.

Among them was Cr Alan Harris, who said the hotel would one day become “a natural landmark in the city” and “help tourists find the Gorge”.

“I think that what we’ve seen developed in Paterson Street should become Launceston’s answer to Salamanca in Hobart and become a real tourist precinct,” he said.

Tim Walker, the only councillor to vote against the development, said it “sets dangerous new precedents and makes a mockery of our current planning scheme” and would “pave the way for future inappropriate developments”.

Josef Chromy’s JAC Group is behind the $50 million Paterson Street Gorge Hotel. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Susie Cai, a neighbour who runs a restaurant on a nearby corner, said her family had to meet certain requirements in 2012 when applying to build a home above their shop, including ensuring there was an outdoor area with sunlight.

“Our family outdoor recreation area will not see sunlight for a good half a year,” she said.

But Cr Harris said it was “unfortunate that you have chosen to live in a mixed urban and business area”, where such a development was permitted.

Dean Cocker, managing director of the JAC Group, said about 200 people would be employed during construction, while about 200 direct and indirect jobs would be created once it is built.

Mr Cocker said the hotel would take two years to build, with the next six months to be spent on a detailed engineering design and a competitive tender to select a builder, although a full appeal process could delay the project up to six months.

“I would hope that the resounding vote in support by the council would give people pause for thought — the expert advice was unequivocal in supporting this on every level,” he said.

Lionel Morrell, of the Heritage Protection Society Tasmania, had flagged an appeal against the decision even before a vote was held.

“They couldn’t have selected a worse, or less stable, site for a 39-metre building in Launceston,” Mr Morrell said.

Ms Cai and Mr Morrell were among a series of objectors who voiced their opposition to the development at the meeting, citing concerns about sewerage, the building’s potential to obstruct views of the Tamar River and Cataract Gorge, and traffic.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose, however, said it “lifts the bar” in tourism development and design excellence.

Eleven of the 12 Launceston councillors were present for the vote, with Cr Paul Spencer absent.