Communication from council has uncovered some issues on this tight site which proves to my mind that you cannot legislate for good design. The requirement under the R-codes is that an Alfresco have a minimum area of 24m2 with a minimum depth of 3m. While this design provides for an area of 27m2 and would feel much larger than a 4x6m square Alfresco we have only 23m2 of actual useable Alfresco area at the 3m depth. This means that we would have to reduce the size of the lounge area which would compromise indoor living spaces.

I can only speak well of the council though as they try to enforce these laws, they have been supportive and accommodated us in every way. I can only imagine the stress they feel when their hands are tied in a situation like this and more and more often they must be subjected to issues like this as blocks become smaller and smaller.

The result has been given by them now to allow the Alfresco which proves that they are sensible and listen to reason. A job well done. Now watch for the construction and obtaining the building license.

10th Oct 2011

Verbal approval has been granted through the planning officer we have been dealing with. Yeah Ha!

20 Oct 2011

Although we had verbal approval we have not had written confirmation as yet. Reason being in that the council did not receive our emails for some reason they had been sent to the administrator. It is important to follow up any correspondence and ensure they receive it in a timely manner to prevent delays.