Council has now made a submission to the Department of Planning, which identified several areas of concern, and we were pleased to see the following comments included –

  • It is proposed that ‘Farm events’ (eg wedding functions) can operate as exempt development for 52 event days per year with up to 30 guests per event, or 10 events per year with up to 50 guests per event.
  • Events of this nature can have significant adverse impacts on neighbouring properties, however landowners/residents would not be able to comment on a DA. Currently, LEP Clause 2.8 currently enables any ‘adverse’ impacts to be considered – i.e. noise, traffic etc.
  • Developments approved under Clause 2.8 already generate significant compliance work for Council. The ability for this form of development to proceed via an exempt development pathway could see a further increase in these types of events and also the associated complaints.