Will my development get approved by Council? This is a common question DCI is asked when people are looking to undertake some level of development on their property, whether it’s an extension to their house, a new large shed, car port or developing a vacant block. This question can be difficult to answer depending on the proposed use of the development, the zone of your land and potential overlays applicable to the property.
The last few years and perhaps even decades has seen a lot of development approved that has been inconsistent with the local Council’s planning scheme. These types of developments are commonly referred to as impact assessable development as the proposed use and zoning, and the potential impacts of the proposed use are generally not compatible with other surrounding land uses. The most common type of approved inconsistent development is higher density dwellings (units or apartments) in lower density zones.
More recently, this level of assessment is receiving more scrutiny with Council’s Planning Officers who are giving more attention to the intents and purposes of individual zones. Discussions with other planners from the public and private sector are showing that the previous years of approvals have received a high level of community backlash over what should and shouldn’t be allowed in their community particularly higher density dwellings in traditional large lot lower density housing blocks.
So how does this impact my plans? Will my development get approved? Here is where a prelodgement meeting becomes advantageous to you in saving time and money. Prelodgement involves a town planner from DCI meeting with Council’s town planners or assessment officers to discuss your proposed development, how it fits into the planning scheme framework, any potential constraints of the physical property and surrounding properties, identify issues to be addressed, and gauge the potential for Council’s support prior to submission and assessment of a development application.
The information DCI gathers from Council during this meeting is used to assist you in making an informed decision about your proposed development and give you more confidence as to whether your development has a higher potential for approval or rejection. If the issues raised are severe, you can decide to wait until conditions improve. If the issues raised are minor and there is support for development, you can decide to progress and have DCI prepare a town planning report, development application and manage any specialist reports required as part of the application.
Prelodgement meetings are offered by all Councils and some council areas do charge a fee for the meeting. Prelodgement is not a necessary part of the development process but these meetings are worthwhile to help satisfy questions, concerns or queries you may have about developing your property. Undertaking these meetings can also streamline your application once submitted as it allows DCI to address all issues raised and ensure all appropriate mitigation strategies are in place to minimise impacts from your development.
For assistance with your development and to engage DCI to undertake prelodgement with council on your behalf, please contact us.
