Developer Mike Dean slipped into the meeting incognito in a casual T-shirt and shorts to see his $103 million, 56-hectare ecotourism venture approved.

The Grindelwald project has been held up on sluggish interim planning scheme implementation and other red tape.

Mr Dean said he wasn't sure whether to feel ecstatic or relieved.

"It's been 4 1/2 years ... having said that, we're now here," he said.

Mr Dean said that now, with the development application approved, he could move forward with putting finance in place and starting the tendering processes.

He said he planned for baseline establishment of features such as wetlands and olive groves to start in February, with design and establishment work to follow before physical building began.

West Tamar councillors also expressed their relief as they approved the application 8-0.

The council received five representations, but noted that issues raised were easily remedied. Acting Mayor Christina Holmdahl said that Mr Dean provided a good example of how a developer could do work through the process properly and engage with the community.