Wilson gets the nod

Yet again there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for embattled would-be land developer Alan Wilson.

His fifth ministerial appeal has received further support.

A report, prepared by ministerial planning appeals officer Roger Hope-Johnstone, has recommended to Planning Minister Alannah MacTiernan that 'the appeal be upheld and the subdivision be approved in the form sought'.

Alan describes it as 'a huge step forward'.

Five times Alan has appealed against decisions made by the WA Planning Commission and five times he has won.

Along the way he has learnt so much about planning rules and regulations that he has become something of a local guru on the Act.

"A media statement from Shadow Planning Minister Cheryl Edwardes stated that up to half the current 139 ministerial planning appeals would have to be dealt with by the new Town Planning Appeals Tribunal," Alan said.

"I expressed my concern to our local Member for the Kimberley Carol Martin that I would be in the wrong half and could not afford the tribunal process.

"I have no doubt that the efforts of Carol Martin have enabled my appeal to progress.

"Mr Hope-Johnstone's report on the appeal was damning of the commission's refusal to approve the subdivision."

The report stated: "The rezoning and structure planning undertaken by the appellant has been a total waste of time and expense.

"The whole purpose for undertaking rezoning and structure planning was to facilitate the subdivision of the land and that is now being denied.

The report went on to say: "The approval of the rezoning and the comments made by the minister in doing so could be expected to have created an expectation on the part of the appellant that subdivision would follow as a matter of course.

"By refusing the subdivision, the commission has effectively ignored the minister's advice and the outcome of the rezoning process."

Alan Wilson is jubilant.