A proposed $40 million retail development for Stony Rise in Devonport has been knocked back by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The development, by Sydney-based Tipalea Partners, known as Stony Rise Village, was to have included Tasmania’s biggest Woolworths outlet.
It was approved by the Devonport City Council, but drew 14 objections.
The development application sought to have the land rezoned from retail to big box zoning.
In its decision, the planning commission says concerns raised included increased traffic and associated safety issues, the plan not being consistent with the council’s Living City strategy, the applicant’s community engagement process was misleading, and the city has sufficient retail area.
In a post on the Stony Rise Village Facebook page Tipalea Partners chief executive Scott Spanton says he’s incredibly disappointed and bewildered by the decision, saying some of the reasons for rejection seem to indicate that no new retail sites will ever be possible to be rezoned in Devonport.
