New Tasmanian Planning Scheme

INFORMATION BULLETIN No: 4

This bulletin updates Friends of the East Coast Inc activities since late 2015.
Website www.friendsoftheeastcoast.org

Following the passing of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Amendment (Tasmanian Planning Scheme) Bill 2015 through both Houses with only minor amendment, the Government has proceeded with preparing the new Tasmanian Planning Scheme.

The Scheme will comprise a set of State Planning Provisions and in each municipality, Local Provision Schedules.

The amended Act came into effect on 17 December 2015 and Terms of Reference for drafting the State Planning Provisions were issued by the Minister the next day, but only released to the public on 27 February 2016.

Lo and behold, the Draft State Planning Provisions (Draft SPPs) were released on March 12 and are on public exhibition until 18 May 2016.

The Draft SPPs apply to the whole of the State. They detail 22 planning Zones which may be adopted by local councils. Most of these Zones are familiar, but many have been amended, mostly by allowing smaller allotments and higher buildings. A summary of these changes are posted on our website. Check the changes mooted for your zone.

The Draft SPPs also list a range of uses which will not require council permits, from bee-keeping to strata division of titles. Some of these exemptions may be controversial, such as limiting Airbnb accommodation to 42 nights per year. More information is provided on our website.

Each Zone generally allows a range of uses:

• uses not requiring a permit, (such as home-based childcare in Residential zones)
• permitted uses, (such as residential in Residential zones)
• discretionary uses, (which require council approval, such as a shop in Residential)
• prohibited uses, (usually all other uses not listed in the above categories)

The Draft SPPs include 15 Codes which can be applied to specific areas within Zones, such as Local Heritage or Bushfire Prone areas. Codes are only applicable to relevant Zones and some to specific uses.

A Scenic Protection Code may be applied to protect the scenic landscape of selected areas or road corridors. Friends of the East Coast Inc is examining the potential application of this Code to the East Coast and the Tasman Highway. See the website for more information.

A Natural Assets Code can also be applied to waterways, coastal protection areas and priority vegetation areas. The Draft SPPs also allow Particular Purpose Zones and Specific Area Plans to provide for local planning requirements. These will appear in future Local Planning Provisions.

Copies of the Draft State Planning Provisions (429 pages) can be downloaded from the Tasmanian Planning Commission website: www.planning.tas.gov.au

The Minister has also released an Explanatory Document (245 pages) relating to the Draft SPPs. It is also available from the Planning Commission’s website:

Draft Land Use & Development Strategy

The BODC Land Use & Development Strategy has been completed. Friends of the East Coast Inc’s submission was ignored by the consultants. A full report on the treatment of public submissions will be posted on our website shortly.

Public consultation on BODC planning matters

BODC finally explained the meaning of the decision: “That submissions received by Council in response to strategic documents and policy developments are placed on the hub to be accessed by Councillors.” It means that public submissions will be available only to the Councillors, but not to the public.

Finances
We are in good shape. Thank you to those who have donated so generously, and apologies to those whose donations were not brought to our attention quickly.
Account Name: Friends of the East Coast Inc
BSB: 633-000
Account No.: 155770019

Website: www.friendsoftheeastcoast.org
24 March 2016

Friends of the East Coast Inc