The Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has criticised a decision to block the proposed Stony Rise development, calling it a “missed opportunity” for the region.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission recently rejected plans to build a Woolworths supermarket and shopping precinct next to the Homemaker Centre south of the city.
The Chamber believes the decision was based on an outdated planning framework and ignored the local council’s support for the project.
“Even more concerning is the fact that a panel of three commissioners, none of them embedded in the north-west coast community as far as we can tell, can overrule the will of the Devonport community,” a DCCI spokesperson said.
“Council’s support for the Stony Rise development is neither recent nor ill informed.”
DCCI President Claire Connelly said the decision highlights the urgent need for an overhaul of Tasmania’s planning system.
“Our view is that investments and developments of this nature will only compliment what is already available in our central business district,” she said.
“A mixture of small and large businesses is important for the resilience of local economies.”
The Commission said their decision was based on concerns over public transport and the potential negative impact on nearby shopping areas and regional centres.
