How to appeal a planning decision in Tasmania (TASCAT)
A planning decision you want to challenge in Tasmania? Both applicants and people who made a representation can appeal to TASCAT (formerly RMPAT) for a merits review. This guide explains who can appeal, the (tight) 14-day deadline, and what a strong submission needs.
⏰ Appeal deadlines are strict
Appeals to TASCAT are generally brought within 14 days of the decision — a tight window. Confirm the exact date for your matter and act immediately.
Appeal rights in Tasmania
After the planning authority decides a discretionary application, an applicant or a representor can appeal to TASCAT for a merits review under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The Tribunal re-considers the application on its planning merits.
If you're the applicant
An applicant can appeal a refusal or the conditions imposed on a permit.
If you objected
A person who made a representation on the application can appeal an approval — so a representation on the record is what preserves this right.
How to appeal — step by step
- 1Confirm your appeal right
Applicants can appeal a refusal or conditions. Representors can appeal an approval — but only if you made a representation during advertising, so getting that in earlier matters.
- 2Note the 14-day deadline
Appeals are generally brought within 14 days of the decision. That's tight — confirm the exact date and act immediately.
- 3Lodge the appeal with TASCAT
File the appeal with TASCAT, identifying the decision and the grounds.
- 4Prepare your planning case
Frame the grounds against the Tasmanian Planning Scheme — the zone standards and relevant codes — and cite comparable decisions.
- 5Mediation and hearing
Matters often go to mediation first; if unresolved, a hearing follows. A clear planning submission helps at both.
What a strong TASCAT submission needs
- A clear statement of the planning grounds — not a list of complaints, but the scheme provisions the decision turns on
- The proposal tested against the actual controls (zone, overlays, and the residential / amenity standards)
- Comparable tribunal decisions in point — how the tribunal has treated similar proposals before
- A focused, well-organised written submission the tribunal member can follow
Get your TASCAT submission drafted
A drafted submission setting out your planning case for the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT, formerly RMPAT) — instantly, at a fixed, published price. No “request a quote”.
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Appealing in Tasmania — FAQ
Who can appeal in Tasmania?
Applicants (against a refusal or conditions) and representors who made a representation during advertising (against an approval). If you didn't make a representation, you generally can't appeal an approval — so the representation stage is critical.
How long do I have to appeal?
Generally 14 days from the decision — a tight window. Confirm the exact date and lodge immediately.
Is TASCAT the same as RMPAT?
TASCAT absorbed the former Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT). Planning appeals now go to TASCAT's planning stream.
What does a submission cost?
Our TASCAT submission is $399 (instant), framing your planning case for the Tribunal — a fixed, published price.
Appealing in other states
This guide is general information, not legal advice — appeal rights and deadlines are technical and vary by matter. Confirm the exact appeal period and requirements for your specific decision immediately.