Planning knock back of social housing development to be appealed

The St Vincent De Paul Society and Argyle St development partner Amelie Housing have lodged a notice of appeal to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) after the development application for a social housing development was refused by the Planning Committee of the Hobart City Council last week.

Amelie Housing Chief Executive Officer Graham West said the council’s planning officers recommended the application be approved and while they were disappointed with the committee’s decision, based on advice received there were strong prospects of success in the appeal before TASCAT.

St Vincent de Paul Society Chief Executive Officer Heather Kent said while there had been an outpouring of support from the public and community groups regarding the planning committee’s decision last week, they were now clearly focused on the appeals process.

“There is a legal process to go through which is based on planning matters and we are determined to do all we can to argue our case positively and get this critical development across the line during a cost-of-living and housing crisis,” she said.

“This project is a great example of the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and community organisations working together towards the common goal of providing much needed support for women over 55 years of age escaping domestic violence and experiencing homelessness, it is important we follow the process.”