Planning/Development application

Some projects will require a planning or development application in accordance with the local council or planning authority in your state or territory (Refer Approval processes for planning and construction). Ensure you establish if your project requires a planning/local authority approval early, during the design stage. The planning or development application process focusses on ensuring that development proposals are assessed using a consistent process, assessment and decision criteria, and in accordance with community expectations as set out in the relevant local planning scheme. Timeframes for this process are determined by the local council or authority and may include a public notice to be issued once the planning application is lodged, which in most cases will lengthen the planning application process.

During this phase, you will confirm the statutory authority requirements; attend meetings with relevant authorities; prepare the application - including plans, diagrams, analyses, studies, reports and other information for the submission; and assist the client with lodging formal application. An independent Planning consultant may be required to be appointed by the client to assist the architect with the planning process and documentation, pending the site controls that are in place and complexity of project. It is imperative to advise your client of this process that is required to obtain local council approval, prior to applying for construction approval