In 1991, Hobart City Council approved a subdivision to 415 lots, which acknowledged the need to preserve its bushland character.

There was much controversy when the Tolmans Hill development was first announced as planning permits were not widely made available to the public.

This was a difficult task given during the early years of Hobart Town the hill was deforested on a regular basis.

The developers created the Tolmans Hill Local Area Plan as part of its original application to the Hobart City Council.

One condition contained in the stringent Tolmans Hill plan is that in certain parts of the suburb, trees cannot be removed without an amendment to the development permit.