Launceston City Council has approved plans to create 104 residential lots on a 10.46-hectare site at Techno Park Drive in Kings Meadows, despite strong opposition from local residents.
The development received 33 representations during a 14-day public consultation period in January, with residents raising concerns about traffic congestion, overdevelopment, and loss of privacy.
Councillors Danny Gibson, Andrew Palmer, and Joe Pentridge voted against the proposal at Thursday’s meeting.
The subdivision will include lots ranging from 335 square metres to 2,271 square metres, with most between 450 and 700 square metres.
Around 85% will be sold through the MyHome shared equity program, while Homes Tasmania will retain approximately 15% for social and affordable rentals.
“I’m pleased to see the Launceston City Council supporting this land release,” Housing and Planning Minister Kerry Vincent said.
“We are coming at housing from every possible angle and this significant land release is one key pillar in our efforts to deliver more housing across the state.”
Traffic concerns dominated the representations against the proposal, with residents warning the junction of Techno Park Drive and Quarantine Road already experiences significant delays.
A traffic impact assessment commissioned after the representations concluded delays would worsen regardless of the development, with the junction likely requiring a roundabout within ten years.
Other representations included claims of overdevelopment, with residents arguing the density was out of character with surrounding areas.
Some called for the number of lots to be reduced by at least 30 per cent.
Concerns were also raised about construction noise, drainage issues, and potential impacts on wildlife habitat.
Council officers recommended the approval, noting the site was specifically rezoned for residential development under the Housing Land Supply Act 2018 to address Tasmania’s housing shortage.
The development will include 18,634 square metres of public open space, more than three times the minimum requirement, and will connect to Techno Park Drive with limited access from Woolven Street.
A civil works tender will be released in coming months, with land sales expected in 2027.
