Tamworth events: Council proposes to cut development applications for temporary events

In an effort to encourage more local events, the requirement for time-consuming development applications to be lodged could be removed.

The idea is to streamline the process for organisers to see more pop-up stalls and activities in public spaces, TRC acting mayor Phil Betts said.

"By removing the need for a development application for a temporary event, we hope to encourage a wider and more diverse range of temporary events and potentially a stronger economy in our region.

"Council is committed to encouraging community use of our great public places and to build on our region's reputation as an events destination.

"We want to see our parks, playgrounds and open recreation areas enjoyed by more people, more often."

Under the existing Tamworth Local Environmental Plan (TLEP) requirements, any temporary activity on public land like pop-up stalls, concerts or community activities needs a development application.

The council has moved a formal planning proposal to change the TLEP to allow those events to happen without one.

There are a number of public spaces the council has invested money into developing for events, like the initial $4.5 million spent to turn the largely unused Fitzroy Plaza into a pop-up activity space.

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It has the tick of approval from Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer, who said the DA process can be overwhelming and lengthy for community groups.

The council has always provided help to go through the process, but it would drastically shorten the time it takes to get an event underway, he said.

"For not-for-profits and community organisations who rely on volunteers to coordinate events, it can be a bit of a barrier for people without the time to wait for that to come back," he said.

"It is a drawn out process and some people may not plan for an event until that DA is approved, so it may encourage events to take place faster than they have.

"It's encouraging and hopefully some smaller community activities might start up again because they do not have to go through that process."

The proposal will go on public exhibition from June 22 for 14 days, community members can make comment or view it on Tamworth Regional Council's website.