Local scorn over new $50 million hotel that defies ‘Barossa culture’

The Seppeltsfield area in South Australia is renowned for its beautiful views, its trail of Canary Island Date Palms which span five kilometres and, of course, its state heritage listed winery.

However this picturesque location in the Barossa Valley currently has locals up in arms.

The construction of a $50 million luxury hotel, set to be built in the area in April 2021 with an opening date of 2022, has locals concerned that the architecture does not fit with the landscape.

The proposal for the Oscar Hotel is currently before the Light Regional Council's assessment panel. If it goes ahead it will feature 71 rooms with balconies spread over 12 storeys,  a sky bar and an infinity pool.

The winery agrees that this development would create hundreds of jobs but locals are opposed to the development.

One local, Tracy Collins of the Taming Oscar committee said, "The largest building in the Barossa is only about two-storeys high, maybe three at the most, and this is an almost 51-metre building that would sit very, very high in the landscape.

"For us, the reflective materials are a big concern and the design is very abstract."

According to Ms Collins, the  Seppeltsfield community is happy to have some type of development go ahead. However, they were hoping for one that worked in with the nature of the landscape. 

"It is purely the magnitude, the height, the fact that it doesn't sit cohesively within the landscape, it isn't sensitive to nature," she said.

"To be honest, we don't think it truly reflects Barossa culture.

"People come from the city with big skyscrapers and high-rises and come to the Barossa because they don't see that."

In February, when the proposal was brought in front of the Light Regional Council, it was categorised as “tourist accommodation” which meant the only people who needed to be consulted were neighbouring properties.

Many of the locals disagree with this categorisation and say the proposal should have been placed in a different development category. Other categories require consultation with public members and those significantly affected, not just immediate neighbours.

Due to this, two neighbours have applied for a review of its categorisation with the Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court

Consideration of the development application will be postponed until the ERD Court has made a decision.

However, developers may apply to have the Council continue its consideration of the application during this time. 

The council is unable to assess alternative designs.