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Gin seems to be undergoing a resurgence evidenced by the number of gin bars opening around town promoting particularly locally made gins and a wide selection of new fashionable mixers. So not surprising I had the pleasure in being involved in the selection of a suitable site for a gin distillery. After a number of sites were rejected a site in Thebarton was selected in an Industry Zone. Given the proposed volume of spirits being produced the use was not considered an activity of “Environmental Significance” with reference to the Development Regulation 1993. Therefore referral to the Department of Environment was not deemed necessary. In fact the neutral spirits will be brought to the site from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Then on site the spirit will be redistilled…

Who really wins when the battle lines are drawn, relationships become acrimonious and compromise apparently unachievable? Over the years I have been drawn into a number of neighbour disputes from relatively minor stormwater issues, to damaged retaining wall and most seriously to a neighbour’s building encroaching onto the abutting neighbour’s property. It intrigues me how quickly relationships can deteriorate when conflict arises. Admittedly in most cases it appears there where strained relationship to start with or even existing animosity already existed over other issues. Once an issue requiring consensus arises quite quickly lines are drawn, communications break down or name calling starts. When things deteriorate to this level it is very difficult for any progress with the issue being made as egos/money is involved and neither party wants to be…

We are generally familiar with Urban Growth Corridors that have been created within numerous Council areas and encouraged by the State Government. Generally the corridors encourage higher density mixed use development along busier arterial roads in close proximity to frequent public transport. Recently I obtained an approval for a medium density mixed use development on Brighton Road in close proximity to the Hove train station. The site is located in a District Centre Zone where mixed use development up to three storeys in height is encouraged. However the Holdfast Bay Development Plan was silent about what density of residential development is appropriate. Brighton Road, Hove in front of the development site The original proposal was for six townhouse style development of mostly three storeys with a token  commercial tenancy fronting…

How beautiful is it up along the lazy River Murray mist hanging over the water on cold mornings.The big red river gums along the banks with plentiful bird life why wouldn’t you want a shack on the river bank and go fishing or water skiing. Provided you are within an area designated for shack settlement there is no problem building a new shack. Although most people now building sizable holiday homes. However it is quite likely the building will be within the flood plain. They still talk of the huge 1956 flood and there have been others since when the lazy river swells to as torrent and breaksits banks and floods the surrounding area. It is because of this flooding potential that the planning and development requirements are understandable onerous…

Aside from the gymnasium operating at the inner city Adelaide address for more than 15 years neighbours’ complaints about newly installed air conditioners near the common boundary brought it to the Adelaide City Council that the gym had never been granted Planning Approval. A Section 84 Notice (Enforcement Notice) was served on the owner of the building because the gymnasium apparently had never been formally approved. In everyone’s opinion the land use was considered appropriate in the Capital City Zone and should be granted planning approval. However the issue that became evident were disabled access as the existing building was full of stairs to all three levels.This was raised as an obstacle to the building being granted Building/ Development Approval. We subsequently engaged an access consultant who advices us that…

House prices in most parts of Australia, including South Australia, have been steadily rising over the last 12months. While over the same period the mining sector, construction industry, retail sales and other sectors of the economy generally have experienced falling prices and sales. Therefore it is probably no coincidence that I have noticed an increase in interest in undertaking feasibility studies to look at what can be done to rationalise existing land uses and/or proposals to subdivide land. Feasibility studies have included interstate businesses requesting an inspection and report on the suitability of a specific premises in Adelaide to expand their businesses into Adelaide. Alternatively a major car dealer in Adelaide who own numerous metropolitan and regional new and used car sales yards, service and distribution centres have wanted to…

Whether it is an industrial use possibly a distillery, flour mill, auto repairs or possibly car and truck rental the question is asked all the time where can I locate such a use? Or is the site I have in mind suitable for such a land use? This is where we assess the factors below amongst others:- Is the zoning appropriate for the proposed land use Is the activity proposed of environmental significance Is there any EPA orders or contamination of the site Are access roads, entry and exit points sufficient Are there disability access issues Is an asbestos registry available Is there enough car parking Does the car parking provided meet the required Australian Standards Are there fire safety provisions Are there encumbrances, easements or the like over the…

We have been involved in many heritage projects some State Heritage also Local Heritage and Contributory Items, all come with their own challenges. There is some confusion with the general public as to what the three levels of heritage listing actually mean:- State Heritage is generally defined by Certificate of Title and significant changes to anything within the C.T. requires the approval (concurrence) of the State Government Local Heritage general means that the main building on the Certificate of Title is to be retained and Council approval is required for any significant amendments or additions Contributory Items are generally where the main building is considered to contribute to the built form of the street. So it is the front appearance of the main building that needs to be retained the…

We specialized in planning facilities, lodging development applications and obtaining planning approvals. After years of dealing with Council’s and others in the Town Planning industry we know how best to meet you’re planning requirements. Often car parking is a critical factor in assessment of planning proposal Whether it be the layout of a car park, provision of disabled access, access and egress, aisle widths or a multitude of other factors. Or more fundamentally it could be an issue as to definition is it an open lot car park, ancillary car park, parking station; multi- level car park or similar. Car Park Design Car park design needs to comply with the relevant Australian Standards with regard to angle of the car parks, their dimensions, aisle width, and access and egress provisions.…