Unit Outline

This unit will give you an insight into the legal basis of planning in Tasmania. We cater to people wanting to practice as planners and also those wishing to become more informed citizens by better understanding the key legal principles and practices of planning. We discuss concepts of natural justice and sustainability (social, economic, environmental) through case studies. Considerable attention is paid to the interpretation, critical analysis and comprehension of planning schemes and development applications, since these are central to much of the day-to-day business of planning. This unit is a core component of the educational requirements of the Planning Institute of Australia.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Evaluate statutory planning processes associated with plan making, implementation and administration.
2	Analyse relevant acts and planning schemes to assess typical plan making.
3	Recommend planning actions that are sympathetic to social, physical, and statutory contexts.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Planning report	Week 5	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Representation	Week 13	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Weekly analysis	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Planning report

Task Description:

Write a report outlining the relevant statutory planning tools, context and provide a recommendation. The case study changes each year and we choose something that is current, so check MyLO for details.

Task Length:

Around 2000 words. See MyLO pages for details.

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop an executive summary that includes the legal context and a recommendation.	LO1
2	Evaluate a development application against the planning scheme by considering issues and using evidence.	LO1, LO2
3	Produce figures, tables and a map to support your argument. The map of the site must include zone, any codes that apply and BOLTSS. You do not need to include all plans, but might include any views that are particularly helpful to your argument.	LO1
4	Create a clearly structured argument in plain, concise English with effective use of headings.	LO1
5	Justify your recommendation using clear logic, links to the planning scheme, and defensible reasoning.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Representation

Task Description:

A representation is the planning term for formal input during public consultation. If you work as a planning consultant, you will need to write representations for clients. Based on a development scenario provided, write a letter to the relevant planning authority stating your views. We will divide up the roles (public in favour, public against, proponent) so that we can have a multi-perspective discussion at the end of semester. Your comments must be based on the planning scheme and should be supported by evidence where possible.

Task Length:

Around 2000 words. See MyLO pages for details.

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analysed how the development relates to you, the issues you are concerned with, and properly identified the DA.	LO1
2	Evaluated the development against the planning scheme and any other relevant planning controls.	LO1, LO2
3	Explain the wider statutory context and the strategic setting for the development.	LO2, LO3
4	Composed for clear structure, tone and clear in your requested outcome.	LO1, LO2

Assessment Task 3: Weekly analysis

Task Description:

Weekly activities vary in nature and include interpreting planning news, activities in The LIST, discussing planning strategies, and discussing scholarly literature. Your active participation and discussion in some tasks is required to demonstrate authentic learning. Students studying asynchronously should attend at least one week of classes and should be in contact with the unit coordinator early to clarify assessment.

Task Length:

Undertake the weekly activities, most of which require a post in MyLO discussions and some require active participation in class tasks.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Evaluate the weekly content using a range of sources.	LO2, LO3
2	Personalise your learning through application of knowledge and skills to show scaffolding learning.	LO2, LO3
3	Discuss weekly posts and content with your peers.	LO2, LO3
4	Justify your positions and learning using a range of material and professional presentation.	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.