Planning

Town Planning

Launceston Interim Planning Scheme 2012

Click this link to download the full Interim Launceston Planning Scheme 2012 - https://www.dropbox.com/s/8k2nqesgs9cg489/Adopted%20Interim%20Scheme_17th%20October%202012-FINAL.doc

Click this link to access planning scheme zoning maps in PDF -https://www.dropbox.com/s/dgwk63lws1iymy8/Zoning_A1L_linked.pdf

Click this link to access planning scheme overlay maps in PDF - https://www.dropbox.com/s/22q4ra8jkdwztcv/Overlays_A1L_linked.pdf

Click this link to download the ArcGIS App for your Android, Apple or Windows phones -http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=574 

Click this link to open a map viewer of the planning scheme and select the layers tab at the top of the page for zones and overlays -http://launceston.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=b7904081b140436fbe1a55c362a91599

Please note that some codes in the interim planning scheme are not identified by maps but may still be relevant to a use or development e.g. Car Parking and Sustainable Transport Code. 

Assessment Progress to becoming a declared Planning Scheme

The Launceston Interim Planning scheme has been in effect since the 17 October 2012. The interim scheme was placed on public exhibition for a two month period concluding on the 17 December 2012. During that period, Council received 101 representations under Section 30I of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

Under the Act, a Planning Authority that has exhibited an interim planning scheme must report back to the Tasmanian Planning Commission within a 4 month period. The report, pursuant to 30J of the Act, must include details of the Planning Authority's view on the:

• merits of each representation in relation to the interim planning scheme;
• need for modification of the interim planning scheme in the light of that representation;
• the impact of that representation on the scheme as a whole

To view a copy of the 30J Report and representations considered at Council's 12 March 2013 meeting see item 12.1 and associated attachments here

Council's minutes to that report can be viewed here

The 30J report and decision has been sent to the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The Commission after receiving the report must hold a hearing. A preliminary hearing was held on the Friday 15 March 2013. The full hearing is anticipated to commence in late April 2013.

Following the hearing process, the interim scheme will be declared a planning scheme by the Commission with or without modification.

For more information about the Interim Planning Scheme assessment process see the Tasmanian Planning Commission website:

http://www.planning.tas.gov.au/assessments_and_reviews/interim_planning_schemes

Need planning advice?

For planning advice, you can meet with Council's planning staff. A pre-lodgement meeting is encouraged so that any issues can be addressed early in the process. These meetings are free of cost. Please call the Council's Customer Service Centre on 03 6323 3000 to make an appointment.

You can also obtain planning advice without an appointment from Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 5.00pm (except Thursdays between 2.00pm and 3.00pm) in the Council's Customer Service Centre, St John Street, Launceston.

The Council welcomes zoning and other planning enquiries as it is important to know what zone, code and special area plans apply to your property if you are thinking of building, opening a business or changing a use.

Planning applications

A Planning Permit is required for the use or development of land. This permit may be in addition to a building permit. You may fill in a Planning permit Application Form (PDF 280KB) if you wish to lodge an application.

The requirement for a planning permit will depend on the zoning of the land, codes and special area plans that apply to the land. This can be checked through the Launceston Interim Planning Scheme 2012.

To assist the applicants to prepare their planning applications, the Planning Department has also prepared Guidelines for preparing a Development Application (PDF 5MB). The Guidelines outline the key steps for preparing an application and the information that might be required.

All new planning applications (and any application lodged but not decided by 16 October 2012) must now be assessed under the requirements and provisions of the new Launceston Interim Planning Scheme 2012.  Under the scheme an application must be a 'valid' application for its further processing. A validity checklist (PDF 12.5KB) has been prepared to guide applicants as to what information must form part of an application for it to be deemed valid.

Online planning application data

The Launceston City Council provides access to a range of real-time online data about planning applications lodged within the municipality. Using the online planning data page,you can access information about planning applications lodged in your area, subscribe to a RSS feed, and view maps showing the locations of lodged development applications around the municipality.

Planning application representation letter

Discretionary applications are advertised for public comment. If you have any concern to an advertised planning application, you can make a written representation to the General Manager during the prescribed advertising period.

Please use the Development Application Representation Letter (PDF 243KB) or address your objection to the General Manager, Launceston City Council, PO Box 396, LAUNCESTON TAS 7250.

If a report on a Planning Application matter goes to the Council meeting, the full content of the submission is included in the report and becomes available for public access. It is therefore the responsibility of the author of the submission to make sure that what is written is factual, fair and reasonable, and is not defamatory against any person.

Do you wish to amend your Planning Permit?

In some circumstances a minor change may be possible to a Planning Permit. The change must be able to meet the requirements set by the legislative requirements of Section 56 of the Land Use Planning Approvals Act 1993. It is important to check with the Council to see if the amendment meets the requirements of the Act. The Planning Permit Amendment Form (PDF 271KB) should be lodged to seek such an amendment. It must be lodged with a covering letter to explain the proposed change along with plans, where applicable, and the relevant fee.

Is your property Heritage Listed?

You may also need to check if your property is heritage listed, or in a heritage listed precinct. If your site is affected, you may discuss your proposal with the Tasmanian Heritage Council and Launceston City Council's Heritage Planner at an early stage.

If your property is registered with the Tasmanian Heritage Council you will require a Works Application for works on your property in addition to a Planning Permit.

For a Works Application or further information from the Tasmanian Heritage Council, call 03 6336 5274.

For properties listed by the Launceston City Council, please call the Council's Heritage Planner, Fiona Ranson on 03 6323 3370.

Does your property title have any restrictions imposed over it?

As your property title might be burdened by easements or covenants this must be checked prior to commencing any development. An Planning Permit application will require you to provide a copy of your property title. A copy can be obtained from The List or Service Tasmania.