Clarence’s Mayor won’t comment on reports developer Chambroad is trying to sidestep council approval for the $50 million Kangaroo Bay Hotel.
Project Director Greg Hudson has applied directly to the Planning Minister to have the 155-room development assessed by an independent panel under the recently-announced Major Projects legislation, after council rejected the hotel.
“In these circumstances, it is inconceivable that our project could receive a fair and impartial assessment from Clarence City Council through the Development Application process,” said Mr Hudson.
“The Kangaroo Bay Hotel project will help to address the gap in premium 4.5 star accommodation, restaurants and meeting spaces in the greater Hobart area.
“The hotel is designed to attract locals with new dining and entertainment options and visitors outside of the Hobart CBD, and into the wider south-east region.”
While not commenting directly on Chambroad’s move, Mayor Brendan Blomeley says a procedure is underway to resolve the wider dispute over the site.
He also isn’t ruling out legal action after a mediator was appointed as part of the buyback process.
“It’s been a very slow and frustrating process from the council’s perspective,” he said.
“We made a very clear decision at our March 20 council meeting to buy the land back, and that’s what we intend to do, so we will be using all instruments at our disposal to achieve the community’s aim in that regard.”
