The Tasmanian Government is stepping in to ‘ensure’ that a major housing development on Hobart’s eastern shore, known as Skylands, can move forward despite facing opposition from the local council.
The development has faced opposition from the Clarence City Council, which refused to endorse the proposed Skylands Master Plan at a meeting this week.
A Tasmanian Government spokesperson says the proposed development at Droughty Point could provide ‘much-needed housing’ for Tasmanians, with plans for around 2,500 homes to be built in the area.
Planning Minister Michael Ferguson is expected to take action to ensure that the Skylands proposal can be assessed by the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission.
It is understood that Mr Ferguson will initiate a process to amend the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy to unlock the area for housing development.
Mr Ferguson has criticised the council’s decision, calling it an “astonishing” vote against common sense and good planning.
The proposed development at Droughty Point has been long identified as an area for housing, and the Skylands proposal would deliver six interconnected walkable neighbourhoods with nearly 70 hectares of public open space, including a hilltop park and waterfront reserve.
