YARRA RANGES: Warm caravans idea
The suggestion of a warm caravan at Warburton during winter has been made to Yarra Ranges Council.
Ivor Wolstencroft of Warburton told the June 24 meeting: “Our nights are cold. We have a housing crisis. A warm caravan option has been proposed by barrister Arnold Dix. Does the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council want to draft and pass this resolution?
“If there is a will, there will be a way, I think is central to some of Arnold Dix’s approach to life.
“I believe Arnold Dix has proposed a solution that could potentially benefit thousands of those ‘on the edge’ in our shire,” Mr Wolstencroft said.
Kath McClusky, Yarra Ranges Shire Director Planning and Sustainable Futures, replied: “Council recognises the severity of the housing crisis and the growing interest in alternative housing options such as tiny homes, caravans, and mobile dwellings.
“We understand their potential to provide more affordable accommodation in Yarra Ranges and beyond.
“The Yarra Ranges Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law 2020 does not prohibit the occupation of caravans on private property. “It does prohibit occupants of caravans on private land from being a nuisance. However, it is subordinate legislation to planning and building legislation.
“Simply put that means the planning and building legislation overrides the amenity of local law.
“Current Victorian planning and building legislation does not allow these structures to be used as permanent dwellings unless they meet strict requirements – typically needing both a building permit and, in many cases, a planning permit.
“There is no legal definition of ‘temporary’ use in either the planning or building regulations, meaning any structure used as a home is subject to these laws.
“This is a challenge across Victoria. Council has been actively advocating for the State
Government to take the lead to address this. We recently submitted and passed Motion 30 at the MAV State Conference, calling for the State Government to clarify legislation around tiny homes and similar options as legal alternate solutions in the right areas with the appropriate services.
“We’ve also written to the State Building Surveyor and Minister for Planning, urging each department to consider changes that would allow these housing types to be legally used as permanent dwellings in appropriate circumstances.
“Whilst we will continue this advocacy, we are also exploring whether there is any other option in the absence of the State changing the planning and building controls.
“Until State legislation changes, Council is unable to permit these structures as homes unless they comply with current legislation and regulations, and there is no immediate alternative to legislative reform.
“We remain committed to advocating for more flexible and affordable housing solutions,” Ms McLusky said.