There is no mention of observatories in the Newcastle environmental plan - there is an entry for Sheds/Cubbies/Lawn Lockers etc and Hey, this is a telescope storage shed....
There are criteria set out for developments which are exempt from requiring a permit: for sheds etc
* one per site
* not between dwelling and street, and wholly within the block of course
* 600mm from any boundary
* 1m from any sewer line
* doesn't encroach on watercourse/easements etc
* consent given for tree removal required - what tree!
???
* less than 2.4m high and less than 7 sq m area
* etc etc - heritage listing/bushfire stuff
The way I see it - it complies, and doesn't need a permit..... My neighbours have been supportive and interested also - always helps. Would be best to check out your local town planning regs though.
Hope this helps.....
addit - I've often thought that perhaps a council would have a problem with the rolling roof - in terms of whether it could become airborne..... For my roof to come off, 5-7 high tensile 10mm bolts need defeating - my house and half the neighbourhood's would be in serious strife prior to this (certainly all the Bunnings sheds!)... and the size/weight ratio of this roof would need cyclone Tracey to lift it I'm sure!