The Glenorchy City Council looks set to push ahead with plans to sell a 6,600-square-metre patch of ‘useless’ public land to Homes Tasmania.
Council staff have recommended councillors approve moving to the next stage of the statutory disposal process for part of 318 Main Road at this afternoon’s meeting.
It comes after community consultation revealed local opposition to giving up the green space for a housing development that could see up to 56 affordable units built.
Of the 35 residents who filled out a survey in May and June, 25 were against the sale, while 10 supported it.
The vacant hillside, also known as part of the Eady Street Reserve, borders existing Homes Tasmania housing and has been earmarked for residential development.
A council report acknowledges community concerns but says the potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Residents voiced worries about the loss of green space, privacy impacts, extra traffic and the lack of an open tender process.
In response, council officers pointed out there are other nearby reserves, including Windsor Street Reserve and Bowden/Barry Street Reserve.
They have also secured a commitment from Homes Tasmania to keep public pedestrian access through the site.
The sale would add funds to the council’s open space improvements fund while cutting maintenance costs for what is currently an underused site.
Council officers previously said the deal with Homes Tasmania would guarantee the land is used for affordable housing, rather than being land-banked or sold off for just one private home.
If councillors approve the recommendation, the formal disposal process will begin with a period for formal public objections.
