is planning a first world problem?

I have started to ask myself the question- is planning a first world problem?

The Victorian Planning System covers everything from retaining the established character of an area, to ensuring no overlooking occurs to dictating the number of shrubs you need in your yard. The planning system also controls front setback, side setback and walls on boundaries and in some instances the colour you paint your fence.

So some quick background:

In Victoria, the planning scheme is ‘fair’ for both the applicant, objector and responsible authority. There is the opportunity to provide supporting information, advertise the application, meet with all parties to discuss and then once a decision has been granted, there is the opportunity to appeal the decision. In Victoria (unlike other states in Australia), a third party re: an objector has the right to appeal the Council’s decision.

Now for the interesting part- anyone can appeal a decision and take it to the Tribunal for a small fee ($300 or so).  This means that a multi-million dollar development, which will contribute to the cities housing supply, diversity and affordability, is put on hold for up to a year (or more), while the application is reviewed by the Tribunal.

This has resulted in neighbours, who are sometimes just unhappy with any development, challenge it at the Tribunal.  Or it allows neighbours to object on small issues such as overshadowing, neighbourhood character impacts, private open space or landscaping.

Are Australians becoming too sensitive and are we really offended by the built form around us? 

Has the Planning System lead Australians (or Melburnians) into have unrealistic expectations? We think we deserve a say on the impact a building will have on the established character or the visual bulk that will result from a 3 storey building (next to a train station!).

Let’s take a step back.

Australians are very lucky. Yes we have beautiful neighbourhoods and lovely homes in them. But we’re no Europe. We don’t have dwellings and buildings which date back to the 15th Century. Our protection of the built form has gone too far.  In Europe, the street is often invited in the private realm of someones home. You can see through windows, into balconies and the small lane ways are often overshadowed. That’s just life and I think the planning system in Australia and the level of control an objector has is over the top.

I think it’s fair to say, if your overwhelmed by a three storey building in your street and offended by the use of materials- that really is a first world problem…