A large-scale housing development in Launceston’s south is progressing through the planning process, with Homes Tasmania seeking approval to subdivide 10 hectares of vacant land into more than 100 residential lots.
The state housing agency has lodged plans with the City of Launceston to carve up the site at Techno Park Drive, Kings Meadows, into 106 lots.
Of those, 104 would be set aside for future homes, with the remaining two allocated for roads and public open space.
The development application, prepared by consultants GHD, says the project would “fulfil the intent” of state government efforts to boost housing supply.
Planning documents describe the proposed subdivision as being in a “well-serviced area”, predominantly surrounded by established residential neighbourhoods of similar design.
The site was rezoned from commercial to residential use in September 2024 under the Housing Land Supply Act, which allows the state government to fast-track land releases.
It previously formed part of the Techno Park business estate, originally an animal quarantine station before being earmarked as a technology hub in the 1990s.
That vision never eventuated, leaving the land largely unused apart from grazing.
Planning documents note the site already has access to power, water, sewerage and telecommunications infrastructure.
A proposed public open space of nearly 19,000 square metres in the south-eastern corner of the site would link to existing parkland along Jinglers Creek.
Environmental surveys identified potential habitat for threatened species, including the Tasmanian masked owl and swift parrot.
The assessment recommends any vegetation clearing occur outside breeding periods to minimise impacts on wildlife.
The development is now being assessed by council planners, with public submissions closing on January 21 before the proposal is put to councillors for a vote.
If approved, most lots would be offered through the state government’s MyHome shared equity program, which aims to help eligible buyers enter the property market with reduced deposits.
