Ahead of a public meeting in Wynyard this week, Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania (PMAT) is calling on the Gutwein Government to amend Tasmania’s planning regulations pertaining to  residential developments, amid a statewide spike in conflict over new residential  developments. 

The residential development standards (RDS) are enshrined in provisions of the statewide  planning scheme and set the rules such as building height and setback from boundaries, block  sizes, and multi-unit developments. Described by Tasmania’s planning appeals tribunal as ‘akin  to a bomb’, the standards can remove capacity for council involvement and negatively impact  values such as neighborhood character, amenity, privacy and sunlight (including to existing  solar panels). 

“The prescriptive, one size-fits all rules guiding residential development puts at risk local  character, amenity, heritage and many other values held deeply by local residents,” said Sophie  Underwood, coordinator of PMAT. “They will drive local conflict as developer aspirations trump  local values and the rules cut off any avenue for recourse.” 

Other entities have also expressed concerns around Tasmania’s RDS including the Local  Government Association of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Planning Commission and the Resource  Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal (RMPAT).  

“As long as a development meets new prescriptions, other considerations are deemed  irrelevant and Councils are bound to approve them, irrespective of consistency with the  prevailing character and density of the area. 

In a 2017 judgement, RMPAT stated:

“[31] Clause 10.4.1 A1 establishes the magic number of 325 m2/dwelling; it contains no  other considerations. It is akin to a bomb which, when detonated by a compliant  development, obliterates any and all non-numerical planning considerations  peripheral to density – such as existing and proposed development density,  compatibility with streetscape, character, urban form and so on. The only matter of  any importance is the number. “(emphasis added) 

“This week’s meeting in Wynyard will highlight just how poorly the residential development  standards are playing out on the ground in Tasmania,” said Ms Underwood. 

“To avoid escalating conflict, marginalising communities and irrevocable changes to the  Tasmania locals love, these planning rules need to be fixed to restore balance in Tasmanian  Planning decisions.” 

For comment: Sophie Underwood 0407 501 999 

PMAT was awarded the 2020 Planning Champion prize at the national Planning Institute of  Australia awards. This national award recognises non-planners for their advocacy or for making  a significant contribution and lasting presence to the urban and regional environment. 

For more information visit www.planningmatterstas.org.au 

WYNYARD PUBLIC MEETING – THIS FRIDAY 

Come to the meeting or watch the live broadcast via PMAT’s Facebook page 

Local community members at Wynyard have organised a public meeting regarding a range of  issues including local residential planning laws that ‘allow for developments to be approved  without oversight of local Councillors or any affected members of the Public.’ 

PMAT is advocating for residential planning laws that better reflect community expectations as  does the Local Government Association of Tasmania. 

∙ DATE: Friday 20th November 2020 

∙ TIME: 6 to 7.30pm 

∙ VENUE: The Wynyard RSL, Goldie St, Wynyard 

GUEST SPEAKERS: Anita Dow, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning; Sophie  Underwood, State Coordinator, Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania; Ken Dorsey, Burnie City  Councillor; and Craig Garland.