[YOUR ADDRESS]

General Manager
Coastal Council
Beach Road
Dune Town TAS 7189

Dear Ms Manager

Representation regarding proposed development at [address] (DA: [insert no from application])

I own property at [address]. I would like to make a representation objecting to this proposed development. My particular concerns are outlined below.

Compliance with the Planning Scheme

I believe that the proposal is inconsistent with the objectives of the Coastal Council Planning Scheme. In particular:

[List all your concerns regarding compliance with the Scheme – specific provisions and why you think the development does not meet those requirements]

For example,

  • The objectives of the Natural Resource Zone include “To protect and enhance areas of historic and scenic importance, in order to maintain and improve the natural quality and character of the Peninsula”.

Clearing and establishing a plantation on this land is inappropriate. The property is a large area of undisturbed native forest which provides a scenic outlook from other properties in the area. It is a sensitive natural area and includes streams (from which local residents draw water), habitat for native wildlife and a variety of threatened species. The natural character and beauty of the area should be protected, not modified into a monoculture plantation.

  • A key objective of the Rural Zone is to protect rural character and agricultural viability by retaining large, workable lots and a healthy environment. The proposed subdivision will break up land in the area, leading to clearing of natural vegetation and reduction in its agricultural potential. This area has been used for grazing for many decades and it would be disappointing for an activity that has contributed so much to the character of this community to be lost.

Other possible objectives / concerns include:

  • the impact on tourism (e.g. by reducing the scenic amenity of the Peninsula – can you see the property from major tourist roads, national parks etc?)
  • the impact on infrastructure (e.g. are the roads in the area suitable for increased heavy vehicle traffic?)

[Try to be specific about WHY you think the development is a problem. For example, if you are concerned about changes to the character of the area, describe the types of houses / rural industries that are there now. Is it a quiet area? What do you value about the town?]

Other concerns

[List your concerns in relation to other documents, including State Policies, management documents, Council strategies or Regional Land Use Strategies]

  • If the property is within 1km of the coast, consider whether the proposal conflicts with any of the clauses of the State Coastal Policy. For example:

The development is contrary to clauses 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 of the State Coastal Policy 1996 in that the development will not protect valuable ecosystems and ecological features in the coastal zone. In particular:

  • the area of the development site represents one of the few remaining areas of extensive coastal vegetation in this part of Tasmania
  • the need for appropriate fire management will result in the clearing of significant areas of the development site.
  • The State Policy on the Protection of Good Quality Agricultural Land encourages land that is suitable for agriculture to be used for agriculture. If you think that the land to be subdivided is good agricultural land, you can argue that it is inappropriate to create smaller, less viable lots and to encourage residential development.
  • The State Policy on Water Quality Management requires management of development sites to make sure that sediment and pollutants do not wash into nearby waterways. If the proposed development will increase stormwater run-off to local waterways, it may be inconsistent with the State Policy. For example:

The proposed management plan for the site does not provide measures to ensure that sediment from the site does not get washed into Bubbling Creek. Council should consider whether this satisfies the State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997.

  • Consider whether the proposal meets any objectives of the Natural Resource Management Strategy for the region (South, North or Cradle Coast). For example:

Increasing the extent of habitat for native species and natural biodiversity is recognised as a high priority management action under the Southern Region Natural Resource Management Strategy. The proposed development goes against that aim – it will clear known habitat for the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll and Eastern barred bandicoot [if possible, include a reference / map showing known habitat areas].

General concerns

[List all your general concerns that don’t fall within a specific provision of the Planning Scheme, e.g. traffic impacts, noise, dust, water contamination, public transport issues, security and lighting.]

For example:

The proposed development will significantly increase the amount of traffic using King Road. This road is currently in poor condition and only suitable for light, rural traffic. Residents have been complaining about this to Council for many years. The development application does not provide for an upgrade of the road. The development should not be permitted unless the road is sealed to ensure the safety of residents and road users.

OR

I have lived in Dune Town for 15 years – I moved here for the amenity and the town’s comfortable, rural character and stunning scenery. It is close knit community that values our beach access, expanses of vegetation and regular visits from native wildlife.

The town’s character is at risk if the subdivision allows significantly more development to occur so close to the beach. Council should be reluctant to dismiss this quality. There is also no justification for opening up new land through subdivision, as there are already several vacant blocks in the area on which new development can occur.

Thank you for taking my comments into account.

[If you would like to participate in pre-permit mediation, include the following lines (note: some Councils have specific request forms for pre-permit mediation, so check with your Council):

I wouldlike the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised in this representation, and any options to address them through conditions or modifications to the proposal, with theapplicant. I requestthat Council notify the applicant that I have requested mediation under s.57A of theLand Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993and advise me of the applicant'sresponse.

You may also wish to include a request to speak at the Council meeting:

I would also welcome an opportunity to address the Council meeting when this development application is considered. Please contact me to confirm the date of this meeting.

Kind regards,

[NAME and contact phone number]