CH Smith developer Errol Stewart hits out at Heritage Protection Society (Tasmania) president Lionell Morell

NOTE: The contention relative to this building just will not go away. Importantly a great deal of Launceston's history and heritage is located in the place.

The various development proposals that have failed have done so largely because of poor planning and Launceston's Aldermen will be judged in the future in regard to all this.

One or two have been unseemly in their willingness along the way to try an "hurry things up" and what they'll be remembered for is now in the lap of the GODS.

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From the Examiner: "CH Smith developer Errol Stewart has hit out at Heritage Protection Society (Tasmania) president Lionell Morell over comments made to the City of Launceston about the site’s development application. ............ In a representation to the council, Mr Morell advocated a condition to retain the existing structure at 22 Charles Street but the developers plan to convert the top two storeys into one level. ............ “The remaining structure of the old warehouse at No 22 has been recognised and required to be retained by previous adjudicated permits,” he said. ............ “From our site inspection with the owners/developers and the heritage advisers, the significance of the surviving interior of the old residence at No 24 was identified, and accordingly we submit that all internal walls and the layout be retained accordingly.” ............ Mr Stewart said the suggestion old permit recommendations should be maintained was disappointing. ............ “The suggestion that the approval, which was granted 22 years ago, should bind us is totally without foundation,” he said.(the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal) like all other eight representers are entitled to.” ............ Independent consultant planner Ashley Brook, from GHD, was engaged by the council to assess the application as the City of Launceston has a pecuniary interest in the development. ............ “The proposed works provide a reasonable balance between the preservation of the heritage buildings within the site and the practical realities of the proposed development,” he said. ............ The proposal put forward by developers Errol Stewart and Scott Curran would see the historic façades along Charles street restored. ............ The existing building closest to the Cimitiere Street intersection will be opened up on the lower two levels to accommodate a coffee shop with a floor area of 103msq. ............ A building extension to the rear of the 1860s Grain Store at 22 Charles Street and the 1938 CH Smith Wool Store at 20 Charles Street would be used as office space. ............ The proposed major extension at the rear of the buildings, also extending to the rear of 24 Charles Street, will be built over two levels above the ground level of a car park. ............ The 1830s Canal Street Warehouse, also known as the Cordial Factory or Supply River Store, would be retained and reused as a café or bar. ............ The plans include a large car park to be constructed over two levels to provide for both the private needs of the tenancies on the site as well as public parking. ............ The City of Launceston will vote on the development at its meeting on Monday. " ... Go to the source here – http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4418379/heritage-dispute-developing-over-ch-smith-pictures-videos/?cs=5312

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