Newstead residents have raised concerns over property values and density, although these were no impediment to councillors approving a social housing development for vulnerable women.
After being exhibited for 28 days, the proposal to rezone 18-20 Ellison Street, Newstead, as general residential and build social housing came back before City of Launceston councillors on April 16, 2026.
During this process the council received two objections which listed concerns over the increased traffic and the capacity of the local road network - which council officers said were not an issue based on a traffic impact assessment - and the density of the proposed 10 units.
The site density would be below the statutory minimum, although council planning officers said the units would still provide sufficient space for occupants and any visitors.
The objections also included a statement that some residents have "sold and left the area", and a question over whether the development would reduce property values.
Council planning officers noted the first statement, and said the second was not a planning consideration.
The property is currently classified as community purpose, which only allows limited forms of housing like aged care and assisted living but not social housing.
It was formerly an aged care centre, and is owned by state authorities which plan to build 10 units - a mixture of two- and three-bedroom dwellings - for women on the social housing waiting list once the application process is complete.
Speaking at the council meeting, Alan Harris said while many of the concerns raised were valid they did not fall under the remit of the council as it sat as a planning authority.
He said there were some avenues left to those who were concerned, but the council was satisfied the proposal was sound.
"That doesn't stop any residents who may want to then raise the issue again at the Planning Commission," Cr Harris said.
"It does, from our point of view, send a very clear message to say that we think that this land in a residential area is best rezoned from community use to residential, to allow us to continue to build some much needed community housing."
All councillors present at the meeting voted to refer the matter to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for final approval.