Tiny Home Dreams Dashed: Court Rules Development Approval Required
A couple's dream of living in a tiny home on the Far South Coast of New South Wales has been dealt a blow after a court ruling found that their home requires development approval. The ruling may have implications for other tiny home owners in the state.
A couple's dream of living in a tiny home on the Far South Coast of New South Wales has been dealt a blow after a court ruling found that their home requires development approval. Josh Heins and Manu Bohn had been living in their tiny home on wheels on a property in Coolagolite, zoned for primary production, since 2023.
The couple's home was ordered to be vacated and demolished by the Bega Valley Shire Council last year, citing that it was an unauthorised structure being used as a permanent residence without the required planning approval. Mr Kelly, the property owner, launched a legal challenge against the orders in the NSW Land and Environment Court, arguing that the home did not require development consent because it was easily transportable and capable of registration.
On Wednesday, the court ruled that while the tiny home on wheels can be considered a caravan, it cannot bypass NSW planning law governing the use of land.