“Why do we have a shed policy?”

The question was asked by Cr John Perry at last month’s Hay Shire Council meeting when he objected to a Development Application for a shed outside of the policy guidelines.

“We’re opening a Pandora’s Box,” he said.

The proposed shed on Lang Street is contrary to Council’s shed policy by 700mm to the eave and less than 500mm at the peak. There were no objections from the neighbours when the DA was advertised by Council.

A motion by Cr Perry to defer discussion so the applicant could re-visit her plans in order to comply with Council’s policy was lost when there was no seconder to the amendment.

Cr Lionel Garner suggested a visit to the shed to check it out, but was reminded it had not been built yet.

“There’s no shed, this is a Development Application,” General Manager David Webb said.

Council resolved to adopt a recommendation from staff to approve the application, with conditions.

At a recommendation by Cr Geoff Chapman, Council also resolved to review the shed policy.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 16 April 2025.