A proposal to transform a deconsecrated church into a residential dwelling and visitor accommodation has sparked controversy in the small Tasmanian town of Pipers River.
The planning application, submitted by the developers of the St Albans Anglican Church on School Road, seeks to convert the church’s space into a bedroom, bathroom, and open-plan living area.
An extension to the west of the property would include an additional bedroom, bathroom, alfresco cooking and dining area.
However, it’s the proposed “outdoor bath area” that has stirred up trouble, with one complainant stating that the hot tub would “lead to offensive behaviour and noise pollution.”
The George Town Council received two responses from local residents during their February 2023 consultation.
One letter of complaint noted the bulk and scale of the renovations, traffic, and privacy.
Another resident objected to the proposed accommodation plans, stating that “a constant stream of many different visitors will negatively affect our amenity.”
However, it’s the proposed outdoor hot tub that’s caused the most controversy.
One complainant stated that it’s “wholly the antithesis of the Church’s religious and heritage values” and that it would “demean the religious significance of the Heritage Church building.”
Despite the complaints, the Council ruled that the proposed outdoor bath area “is not a matter that is relevant to the subject application and not considered under an assessment of the planning scheme.”
The application was ultimately approved unanimously, with Councillor Greg Kieser praising the project as “a great outcome for our community.”
The St Albans Anglican Church was built in 1912 and is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
It was sold in May 2020, and the developers plan to preserve the building’s heritage values for future generations.
