Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Dealing with Council 9Sep 15, 2006 1:28 pm The problem I have is that I have seen all too often that the big boys, developers and rich folk will get through whatever they want anyway as they have the financial muscle to go through the court/legal system.This provides THEM with a similar system to VCAT.
Now if ordinary folk are given the same via VCAT, then council will have to tone the trivia down and at the same time concentrate on watertighting the important stuff. That way big developers don't get an unfair advantage and we are on a more even playing field. Please also note that VCAT is largely made up of Baristers, solicitors and Town planners. High skilled and professional people and they appear to often take the time to visit the site in question, talk to affected parties and of course those who are appealing. Lets give them some credit in making unemotional, unbiased common sense rulings. Most councils appear to have lost touch with what residents actually want and be honest how many residents are likely to know the planning policies of their council until they need to do something. It is not as though the democratic system is highly geared to prevent this type of poor descision making since it is very specific. It is not the fact that there are rules, it is the fact that they are unevenly enforced, over zealous and trivial. The examples you give would fall in the range of common sense and would not get past VCAT - if you don't believe me, have a look in the VCAT rulings archives and see for yourselves. Lets not lose something that really works and instead encourage the councils to work on waterproofing their most important rules. This way we get what we need, protection without unnecessary red tape and trivial requirements. 3timesbuilda Even if it's not being sub-divided and you want to keep it as Torrens title, you will still need to talk to a town planner or Council themselves, to see if they will allow… 1 11035 We've had the offer of a short term tenant whilst waiting for CDC/DA home approval and demolition for our knock down rebuild. It would achieve a pretty low rent as it's… 0 13752 This was on google. Development controls 2.3.1 Front setback D1 New buildings within residential areas shall adhere to a front building line, which is 5.5-6m to the… 1 3665 |