Launceston councillors recommended to approve controversial 39 metre Gorge Hotel despite several objections

The City of Launceston has recommended councillors approve a development application for a hotel near Cataract Gorge.

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

LAUNCESTON councillors will this week vote on a controversial development application for a 39-metre tall hotel near Cataract Gorge that has attracted more than 30 objections.

City planning staff have recommended councillors approve an application from the JAC Group, run by Launceston businessman Josef Chromy, to build the nine-storey Gorge Hotel.

The hotel, fronting Paterson, Brisbane and Margaret streets near the Penny Royal and Kings Bridge, would boast 145 rooms, a function centre capable of hosting more than 500 delegates, a day spa and a gym.

Most objections to the development were based on its height and suggestions it would block views, including from the CBD and West Launceston, while some raised concerns about the assessment process.

“The Gorge is a natural feature in Launceston and to have it ruined with a building this tall in front of part of it is something that people in Launceston will regret for years to come,” one submission, by Allan Miller, said.

Another objector, Anne Layton-Bennett, raised concerns about the visual impact of the building, its risk from floods and earth tremors and said “like too many other potentially controversial projects, this one appears to have been fast tracked”.

Three submissions were made in support of the proposal, including from Jarad Murray, who said he was “sick of seeing good modern designs opposed because they don’t fit in”.

JAC Group originally lodged an application to build the hotel in December.

The council readvertised the application twice after members of the public complained site notices had not been properly displayed.

A report prepared by council planners ahead of Thursday’s meeting advised councillors the development “will attract visitors into the area, and due to its location, will encourage visitors to explore the city and its natural surroundings”.

“The site is ideal in strengthening the links between the city and the Gorge.

“The modern design is understanding of the surrounding area and the city as a whole, but does not apologise for its intention to be a landmark that will bridge the city and its outskirts to Launceston's natural environment.”