Land that could provide space for around 400 new homes in Brighton has been unlocked, after the Tasmanian Planning Commission approved the Boyer Road precinct structure plan.
The 109-hectare site, identified as ‘Bridgewater North’ in the Southern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy, sits on the eastern side of the Derwent River about 25km north of Hobart.
It is one of the last remaining greenfield sites earmarked for residential development in the Brighton municipality.
The approval covers the structure plan, an associated planning scheme amendment and a development framework to guide future construction.
Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray said the focus had been on getting the planning settings right before homes were built.
“This is about providing more housing choice and creating communities that are connected to jobs, infrastructure and the way people live and work,” Gray said.
“The Boyer Road precinct has been designed to take advantage of its proximity to industry and strong connections to key transport routes, supporting a range of lifestyles and working patterns.”
“We’re planning ahead so that as demand grows, we have the right framework in place to respond.”
The rezoning shifts 54.8 hectares from future urban to general residential and a further 3.52 hectares to landscape conservation.
Council planning documents flag a 20-year demand horizon, citing constrained residential land supply and forecast population growth.
The project received funding from the federal government through the housing support program stream, with a co-contribution from Brighton Council.
Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the approval showed what could be achieved when different levels of government worked together.
“This is a great example of Brighton Council, the Tasmanian Planning Commission and the Commonwealth government working together to unlock the homes Tasmanians need,” O’Neil said.
“Building more homes is key to improving housing affordability.”
The precinct sits near the recently opened Bridgewater Bridge and forms part of broader renewal across Brighton, including Old Main Road and the waterfront.
Gray said the council was already seeing strong interest in its other housing initiatives, with several local residents approved for the recently announced first home builders “rates holiday”.
He said the next stage would involve moving from planning into development, supported by essential infrastructure.
“This is about setting Brighton up for the future and ensuring growth is coordinated, sustainable and well-planned,” Gray said.
Future development will be guided by the approved framework.
