An ABC report says that the developer of a planned eco-tourism lodge in Tasmania’s south-east has begun an appeal against the local council’s decision not to allow the development.
The son-in-law of entrepeneur Dick Smith, James Baillie, wants to build a luxury tourist retreat at Crescent Bay near Port Arthur, but the Tasman Council dismissed the $12m proposal four votes to three, with two councillors abstaining, despite the council’s planning staff recommending the plan be approved.
The council says the development could result in environmental damage and doesn’t comply with the area’s coastal policy.
Mr Baillie is appealing against the decision through the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.
A five-day hearing has been set down for early December.
Report by The mole
