The Burnie City Council has approved an 18-unit social housing project in Romaine that drew objections from neighbours concerned about privacy, traffic and falling property values.
The two-storey complex at 3 Atkins Drive will deliver affordable two-bedroom units for Homes Tasmania.
Council’s planning authority gave the proposal the green light on Tuesday night after considering five formal submissions during the public exhibition period – four against and one in support.
Each dwelling will occupy 219 square metres, below the planning scheme’s 325-square-metre benchmark.
The development also includes 18 parking spaces – one per unit – compared with the required 41, including visitor spots.
Several neighbouring owners raised concerns about overlooking and loss of amenity from the elevated site.
“The scale and design of the proposed building are completely out of step with the existing streetscape and will erode property values and community cohesion,” one wrote.
“This development is incompatible with the spirit of our neighbourhood.”
Another resident said the plan would ‘destroy the privacy’ they currently enjoy and could force some locals to sell their homes.
Traffic impacts also featured prominently in objections, with the site located next to Parklands High School’s drop-off zone.
Neighbours warned additional vehicles would heighten safety risks for students and residents.
One neighbouring owner supported the proposal, calling it “a strong addition to the Romaine area”.
In its application, Homes Tasmania argued that social housing tenants generally own fewer cars, citing research showing an average of 0.47 to 0.72 vehicles per dwelling.
The site is also within 220 metres of five bus stops.
Council approved the proposal under performance criteria provisions, which allow departures from standard requirements if the overall outcome is deemed acceptable.
