A supplied artist’s impression of a proposal for development of the Rosny Hill area on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

THE Rosny Hill development proponent has “misled” the community over the size of the project, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust claims.

Hunter Developments’ proposal for a $50 million luxury hotel was cut to 1.8 per cent of the crown reserve land earlier this year — almost half the size of the original design.

But Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Peter McGlone said the project would “impact 23 per cent of the reserve’s area”.

“The TCT has calculated the true area of impact to be 23 per cent of the reserve. The 1.8 per cent claim refers to the precise footprint of the main buildings,” Mr McGlone said.

“Rosny Hill was declared a nature recreation area to protect its natural bushland and allow for recreation sympathetic to its natural setting. The development will destroy both the natural and the recreational value of the reserve.”

REVISED HOTEL PLANS FAIL TO APPEASE OPPONENTS

Mr McGlone said the proponent had kept the public in the dark over how long the buildings will be.

“The main building would not fit on Blundstone Arena. The entire development is longer than the longest side of the nearby Eastlands Shopping Centre,” he said.

Development architect Robert Morris-Nunn could not be reached by the Mercury for comment today.

Professor Morris-Nunn has said the development aims to improve public access to Rosny Hill and fund the regeneration of the surrounding bushland.

TALKING POINT: THIS VIEW DESERVES A BETTER FRAME

The building would be built into the hill below the level of the existing carpark, to take in the sweeping views of Hobart and the River Derwent. The proposed development has been lodged with Clarence City Council and is open for public comment until Monday.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman today said: “If the Tasmanian Conservation Trust has concerns about the development they should lodge a representation to council for consideration as part of the overall planning assessment.”