When it comes to securing a planning permit, knowing where to begin can often feel daunting and confusing. Although legislation, restrictions and processes vary depending upon your state or territory of residence, every piece of land ultimately has a series of planning and building controls that designate when a planning permit is required and how a building should be built. Put simply, a planning permit ensures the land use and specifications for a house comply with all the relevant regulations. While getting the right permit can take a minimum of three months, a little preparation and professional help can make liaising with your local council as painless as possible. Here are our top tips on understanding and streamlining the planning permit process…
1. Before Applying
Start by enquiring with your local council as to the planning scheme and ask for a checklist of information that they require. It’s a standard requirement that plans be drawn to scale, display the site, floor plan and elevations, while clearly identifying existing and new buildings, floor and site levels and any earthworks or vegetation removal. Consider engaging the services of a professional town planner or other qualified professionals to ensure the information you supply is correct and in accordance with specified standards.
2. Submitting Your Application
Proposed plans are provided to the local council, along with an application form, a fee and a copy of the title, for authorisation. This documentation can either be presented by yourself or by a professional acting on your behalf.
3. Preliminary Inspection
The Council will check your application to ensure the supplied information is correct and meets the required specifications. If necessary, further information may be sought from external authorities. Subject to council regulations, the application may be advertised for 14 days and affected persons may object.
4. Assessment And Outcome
The Council will consider any objections to the application, as well as any referral comments and assess the proposed development’s overall compliance with planning scheme provisions. If required, a mediation meeting will be held to discuss negotiations. A planning report will be prepared and the Council will notify you of their decision.
5.Tips On Expediting Your Application
Restrictions
Whether it be the size of the building or lesser matters such as paint colours, covenants on the land title can have a significant effect on your proposed development. Always check the full copy of the title and plan of subdivision for any covenants or restrictions and seek professional advice if you’re unsure what a particular covenant relates to.
Incomplete applications
Submitting an incomplete application is a waste of time and a poor way to start the planning permit process. Ensure you complete the entire application form and provide each required item with your original application.
Inaccurate plans
It’s important to present accurate building plans that are drawn to an acceptable scale. Depending upon the type of application, it’s often easiest to employ a professional to draw up your plans.
Town jargon
If you elect not to engage the services of a town planner, it’s critical that you acquire a working knowledge of town planning jargon. Council planners will often discuss your application with reference to planning terms. Absent a basic understanding of this jargon, you could encounter unworkable conditions, delays or even a flat-out rejection.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the planning permit phase, don’t hesitate to contact our experts on 1800 184 284 or book a call online to help you understand the process.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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