Planning Approvals

Introductory image (480x120) and paragraph:

Main content:

Planning approval is required to be obtained prior to undertaking development or changing the approved use of land and premises within the Shire. There are a limited range of instances where planning approval is not required. This is mainly for minor works or where the need for approval has specifically been exempt. It is always advisable to check with the Shire’s Planning Services to ascertain whether approval is required, even if your Real Estate agent or builder has advised that you don’t need Planning Approval. The Shire has prepared an information sheet to set out the common instances where approval is not required.

Applications for planning approval received by the Shire will be determined using the
following process steps. The time taken to assess an application varies
according to the nature and complexity of the proposal.

Pre-application meeting

For more complex applications it is advisable to arrange a pre-application meeting with one of the Shire’s planners. The proposal can then be discussed, and officers will advise of relevant considerations or requirements which should be addressed in the application. Whilst this is an informal part of the process, it does enable issues to be identified so that they can be addressed before the application is lodged, ensuring cost and time delays are not encountered in processing the application.

Lodgement

When lodging an application for planning approval, you must include:

a completed application form signed by the owner of the land
the correct application fee
three sets of accurate plans (generally including a site plan, building plans and elevations together with any other supporting information required by the Shire to properly consider your application.)
Other explanatory or supporting information as the Shire may need to properly assess your application.

Incomplete applications are normally returned and do cause delays in obtaining approval. The Shire has produced a range of information sheets for common application types which provide comprehensive information on its planning and application requirements.

Assessment

Once all required information is received, your application will be formally assessed against the requirements of the Shire’s planning framework.

If an application cannot be determined within the first week, the Shire will write to you acknowledging receipt of the application and providing contact details of the officer dealing with your application, the results of a preliminary assessment and a likely decision date.

In some cases it may be necessary to request modified plans or additional supporting information, refer the application to external government agencies such as the Department of Water or seek feedback from nearby landowners or the general community before a decision is made.

Decision

In most cases the Shire has 60 days in which to make a decision on your application. Extended timeframes can apply with agreement with the applicant. Some applications will require referral to Council or a Development Assessment Panel for a decision, however the majority of development proposals can be determined under delegated authority.

Once a decision has been made you will receive a letter advising of this and of any conditions of approval or reasons for refusal along with a set of the endorsed plans. It is important that you keep any approval issued by the Shire, as it set out the requirements that must be met in undertaking the proposal.

Decision Review

If you are dissatisfied with a condition of approval or a decision to refuse your application, there may be a right to apply for a review of the decision. The application for review must be lodged with the State Administrative Tribunal within 28 days of the decision date, with a copy of the application provided to the Shire.