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Rural Sheds
Last modified: July 28, 2009 - 3:50 PM
RURAL sheds with proposed internal features will not be approved under a new policy adopted by the Upper Hunter Shire Council at its meeting on Monday.
Council moved to create a shire-wide uniform policy that aims to give clear direction that rural sheds with proposed internal features that could be adapted to long term accommodation would not be approved.
Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Michael Johnsen explained the policy replaced the former Merriwa Shire Council policy "Facilities in Rural Outbuildings" and created shire-wide consistency. "The aim was to create clear standards for the provision of basic facilities for short-term occupation of rural land and to specify limits on occupation of rural land where there is no dwelling entitlement, and to ensure that appropriate approvals are obtained for the construction of amenities," Cr Johnsen explained.
The policy discourages use of rural allotments without dwelling entitlements for "weekender" or lifestyle uses but acknowledges that providing basic amenities for short term occupation of rural land - no more than five consecutive days or 60 nights per annum - is appropriate. "Sheds built with internal partitions and amenities are likely to encourage longer term occupation of the land, which is contrary to Council's planning objectives," Cr Johnsen said.
"Rural sheds should be for the storage of machinery and no internal partitions will be approved," Cr Johnsen said.
Other features of the newly-adopted policy include:
- Development consent from Council is required for the construction of amenities in conjunction with rural sheds
- Bathroom amenities will be permitted in a separate outbuilding with conditions including that an application for an on site sewerage system must be approved and the system must be fully operational before the amenities are used
- A rainwater tank of not less than 20,000 litres must be included, with fire fighting fittings
- Occupation is limited to no more than five consecutive days and no more than 60 nights per annum.
"Council encourages the genuine use of rural buildings and farm sheds for agricultural production and at the same time, ensuring proper development guidelines are applied to all members of the community", Mayor Johnsen said.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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